EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- The Baltimore Orioles claimed outfielder Luis Robert Jr. from the New York Mets on Monday, as they enter September in a battle for the final American League Wild Card spot.By acquiring Robert on Monday, a move the Mets announced, he would be eligible to play for the postseason should the Orioles secure a berth. Players must be in organizations by the end of the Monday to be postseason-eligible. The Orioles entered Monday one game behind the Cleveland Guardians for the third AL Wild Card slot at 68-69.The Mets acquired the talented Robert from the Chicago White Sox during the offseason hoping he could avoid significant injury for the first time in three years and author a season reminiscent of his 2023 All-Star campaign. But a herniated disc sidelined Robert for nearly three months while the Mets' playoff hopes collapsed.New York attempted to trade him at the Aug. 3 deadline but couldn't strike a deal. He was then given regular playing time anyway and produced to increase his value, batting .268 with six home runs and an .860 OPS in 23 games while splitting time between center field and left field.Robert, 29, gives the Orioles a right-handed hitter for their left-handed-heavy outfield, though his splits have been about even this season (.695 OPS vs. RHP, .719 OPS vs. LHP).Baltimore will assume the $3 million remaining on Robert's $20 million salary. Factoring in the 110% luxury tax the Mets must pay this season and the $2 million buyout on Robert's $20 million club option for next season, New York will save about $8 million with the move.On the field, moving Robert allows the 22-year-old A.J. Ewing, who's enjoying a strong rookie season and is considered a future building block, to reassume his role as the team's everyday centerfielder.The Mets also plan on calling up right-handed-hitting outfielder Nick Morabito, a source confirmed to ESPN, with active rosters expanding from 26 to 28 on Tuesday. It'll be the 23-year-old prospect's second stint in the majors this season; he made his big-league debut in May and played in five games before being sent back to Triple-A Syracuse. He's batted .254 with 13 home runs, 42 steals, and a .743 OPS in 114 games for Syracuse this season.Also Monday, Mark Vientos was activated by the Mets from the injured list to take Robert's spot on the roster. Vientos fractured his hand July 9 and hit three home runs for Triple-A Syracuse yesterday.
