The Baltimore Orioles declined Luis Robert Jr.’s $20 million team option for 2027. The decision triggers a $2 million buyout and makes the outfielder a free agent.
Robert played just three games for Baltimore after the team claimed him off waivers from the New York Mets on Aug. 31. He went 2-for-11 with a double, a home run and three RBIs before a left hamstring injury landed him on the injured list on Sept. 5 and ended his season.
The Terms Of The Declined Option
Baltimore’s decision to pass on the $20 million option came with a $2 million buyout owed to Robert, a standard structure for declined club options. The move closes the book on the Orioles’ brief acquisition of the 29-year-old, who was brought in late in the season as the club looked to patch its outfield during a playoff push.
What It Means For The Orioles
Declining the option clears the $20 million salary obligation off Baltimore’s books for 2027, giving the front office additional payroll flexibility as it reshapes the roster. The Orioles still face a decision on first baseman Ryan Mountcastle’s $7.5 million team option for 2027.
Baltimore has already made several other option calls this offseason. The club declined right-hander Zach Eflin’s $25 million mutual option along with options on left-handers Keegan Akin and Trevor Rogers and right-handers Chris Bassitt and Andrew Kittredge. On the other side, right-hander Ryan Helsley opted into his $14 million player option and will return to the bullpen.
Robert’s Season And Career Background
Robert’s 2026 season was defined by injury. He missed nearly three months with the Mets because of a lumbar spine herniation before New York waived him in late August. In 58 games with the Mets, he hit .223 with four doubles, 10 home runs, 23 RBIs and a .702 OPS.
The Cuba native spent his first six seasons with the Chicago White Sox, where he finished as American League Rookie of the Year runner-up and won a Gold Glove in 2020. He earned an All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger Award in 2023. His production has declined sharply since that peak season, and the hamstring injury limited him to a three-game audition in Baltimore.
What’s Next
Robert now enters free agency as teams finalize their offseason option decisions across the league. The Orioles still must decide on Mountcastle’s option, and the organization’s outfield needs remain unresolved heading into the hot stove season.
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