The New York Mets have placed outfielder Luis Robert Jr. on waivers, initiating a 48-hour period during which another Major League Baseball team can claim him and make him eligible for their postseason roster. If claimed, the acquiring team would be responsible for approximately $3 million remaining on his contract for the current season, plus a $2 million buyout.
If no team claims Robert, he would revert to the Mets, potentially signifying an admission of an offseason mistake. The club acquired the 29-year-old from the Chicago White Sox in January with the expectation that he would be a key addition for a contending season. However, Robert's time with the Mets has been hampered by injuries and underperformance at the plate.
He missed a significant portion of the season with a lumbar spine herniation, an injury that sidelined him until July 20. Prior to his injury, he was hitting .224 with a .656 OPS. After his return, his batting average briefly dropped to .189 with an OPS of .597. Despite a recent uptick in production, hitting .311 with a .994 OPS over 19 games entering Saturday's play, Robert had only amassed 10 home runs and 23 RBIs.
Robert's potential playing time has also become more complex with the emergence of rookie outfielders Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing, who are viewed as more integral to the Mets' long-term future. The return of Juan Soto from a calf strain further complicated the outfield situation. Robert is also under club option for $20 million next season, though any team claiming him, or the Mets themselves, would likely opt for the $2 million buyout instead.
His placement on waivers could alleviate the Mets' outfield logjam and save the team money. The $5 million total cost, comprising the remaining salary and buyout, represents the financial question surrounding his brief and largely disappointing tenure with the club.