Toronto weighs waiver claim for Mets outfielder Luis Robert Jr.
The Mets placed outfielder Luis Robert Jr. on waivers, and the Blue Jays are considering a claim. Robert, hitting .228 this season, could provide a right-handed bat against lefties. Toronto would need to take on about $4.89 million remaining on his contract.
Robert, 29, has battled injuries throughout his career, including a two-month stint on the injured list this season due to a herniated disc in his back. Despite the time missed, he has remained productive against left-handed pitching, posting a .719 OPS versus southpaws, which would rank third among qualified Blue Jays hitters. Toronto currently sits 1.5 games out of the final American League playoff spot and has already shown willingness to add payroll, having claimed reliever Paul Sewald and signed Michael Lorenzen earlier this month. The waiver claim window closes Monday, with the Blue Jays holding the 13th priority in the claiming order.
This waiver claim could subtly influence the American League playoff race, as Toronto is competing for a wild-card berth. Adding Robert would give the Blue Jays a right-handed power bat against lefties, potentially improving their postseason odds and affecting which teams ultimately qualify. For fans, the move signals whether the front office believes this roster can contend, while the financial commitment may shape Toronto's offseason flexibility. The decision could also impact Robert's career trajectory, determining whether he finishes the season in a playoff push or remains with a rebuilding Mets club.