Mets waive Luis Robert Jr., making him available to playoff contenders

The New York Mets have placed outfielder Luis Robert Jr. on outright waivers, giving teams 48 hours to claim him. A claiming team would take on his remaining salary and could use him in the postseason. Robert has improved recently, slashing .288/.347/.576 with six home runs in his last 75 plate appearances.

Robert's waiver placement follows a quiet trade deadline, when his sub-.200 batting average and recent back injury deterred suitors. His late-August surge—six homers in 75 plate appearances—has revived interest, though any claiming team must absorb roughly $5 million in remaining salary. The Mets' $20 million option for 2026 complicates his long-term value.

The 29-year-old's career has swung between brilliance and fragility. His 2023 campaign with Chicago produced 38 home runs and 20 steals, earning his only All-Star selection. But recurring injuries and inconsistent output have since eroded his standing, leaving the Mets to cut ties less than a year after acquiring him from the White Sox.