Orioles may be thinking long-term with Luis Robert Jr. move

The Baltimore Orioles made an interesting move on Monday.

The Orioles claimed outfielder Luis Robert Jr. off waivers from the New York Mets. In doing so, the Orioles will assume the remainder of his contract for 2026 and will hold a $20 million team option for 2027.

Robert has displayed flashes of his five-tool potential. Everything came together during his All-Star season in 2023 as he posted a .264/.315/.542 batting line over his 595 plate appearances, hitting 38 homers and 36 doubles while stealing 20 bases. However, injuries contributed to Robert's struggles as he has been unable to return to that level of performance.

That has been the case again this season. Robert had posted a .223/.303/.399 batting line with 10 homers and four doubles in his 218 plate appearances as he missed time due to a herniated disc in his back.

Luis Robert Jr. could have a role on Baltimore Orioles going forward

The Orioles have a specific need for a player such as Robert. Their current starting outfield is primarily left-handed hitting, with switch-hitter Leody Taveras as the exception. Taveras, Colton Cowser and Dylan Beavers have struggled against same-side pitching. Robert would provide more balance to the lineup and would potentially allow Taveras to slide into a fourth outfielder role.

The key to the Orioles' interest may be his team option. Although the Orioles have a plethora of outfield options at the major league level and in the upper minors, Robert has shown the potential to be a difference-maker. The Orioles will have a month to see if Robert can show the form he displayed in 2023 as they begin to shape the roster for 2027.