Mets Cut Ties With Robert, Put Outfielder on Waivers
The New York Mets have placed outfielder Luis Robert Jr. on outright waivers, per MLB.com's Anthony DiComo. Any claiming team would assume the roughly $3 million left on his 2026 salary, plus a $20 million team option for 2027 or a $2 million buyout. Robert, who has battled injuries and posted a .229/.310/.410 line in 56 games this season, is the latest notable player to hit waivers as the Mets sit 20 games back in the NL East.
Robert’s 2026 season has been defined by a single major setback: an April lumbar disc herniation that landed him on the 60-day injured list until late July. In 56 games since returning, he has shown occasional power but overall inconsistency, with a .229 average and 10 homers. His contract structure—roughly $3 million remaining for this year, plus a $20 million option or $2 million buyout for 2027—means a claiming team faces a modest short-term commitment but a significant decision on next season. The Mets, sitting 20 games back in the NL East, are clearly prioritizing payroll flexibility over retaining a player who has not matched his earlier All-Star form with the White Sox.
Robert’s waiver placement follows a broader trend this week: the Reds also put Eugenio Suarez and T.J. Friedl on waivers, and neither was claimed. That suggests teams are wary of taking on even partial salaries for underperforming or injury-prone veterans late in the season. For Robert, the next 48 hours will determine whether any contender sees him as a low-cost bench bat or platoon option for the stretch run, or whether he clears waivers and becomes a free agent.
This move could ripple through the league’s waiver market, signaling that even former award winners are not immune to being cut when their production and health falter. For fans, it underscores how quickly a player’s value can erode, while for teams, it highlights the risk of long-term contracts tied to past performance. The decision may also affect Robert’s career trajectory—if unclaimed, he could become a low-risk signing for a club seeking depth, but his injury history will likely temper expectations.