New York Mets center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88). IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Mets place Luis Robert Jr. on waivers

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Aug 29, 2026 7:53 PM ET

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The MLB waiver wire has been quite busy over the course of the week and that trend continued on Saturday.

A former All-Star and one of baseball’s most recognizable outfielders has become available to every team in the league.

Luis Robert Jr. is on the waiver wire

According to New York Mets beat writer Anthony DiComo, the team has placed center fielder Luis Robert Jr. on waivers. Robert is the latest notable player to hit waivers this week, joining Chicago Cubs reliever Hoby Milner. Cincinnati Reds veterans Eugenio Suárez and TJ Friedl were also placed on waivers earlier in the week, but both went unclaimed and remain with the team.

New York acquired Robert from the Chicago White Sox ahead of the season and he was expected to be a major contributor.

Instead, he's managed just a .228 average and 10 home runs in only 57 games and 189 at-bats. Once again, injuries have played a major role in Robert's production levels and he's been a major disappointment.

The Mets have placed Luis Robert Jr. on waivers, per @AnthonyDiComo

➡️ @Novig pic.twitter.com/XU2ZpOnvid
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) August 29, 2026

Is there a market for the expensive outfielder?

His prolonged struggles beg the question: Is there actually a market for the outfielder?

Robert Jr. has just over $5 million guaranteed on his contract, according to MLB.com, including $3 million in 2026 salary and a $2 million buyout of his option for next season.

There are some teams such as the Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros that were in search of right-handed hitting outfielders ahead of the trade deadline.

If not one of those teams, it will be intriguing to see if any contending team takes the risk of bringing Robert in and hope he can be productive.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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