The biggest surprise in New York sports right now is that the Mets are trying to get rid of Luis Robert Jr. even though they still owe him nearly $5 million. This move flips the usual script where teams fight to keep expensive stars. Instead, the club is betting that no one else wants to take on the full price tag of his contract. The league’s other 29 teams have just 48 hours to claim him off these outright waivers, per MLB Trade Rumors.
The Real Cost of the Deal
Most fans think a waiver claim just means another team gets a player for free. That is not the case here. A claiming team would have to take on all of Robert’s remaining money, which includes about $4.89 million. The financial hit goes even deeper for any team that picks him up. In addition, the club would avoid $5 more in luxury taxes, representing a 110% saving if someone claims him.
This is a massive financial gamble for any potential suitor. Why would a team pay almost $5 million for a player who has struggled to stay healthy? The answer lies in the hope that Robert can return to his 2023 form. In that year, he slashed .264/.315/.542 with 38 home runs and 20 stolen bases. He even made his lone All-Star team that season. But those numbers are in the past, and the present reality is much different.
A Career in Freefall
Robert opened his career with the White Sox as a prized prospect who debuted in 2020. He looked like a future cornerstone for the franchise. The White Sox eventually cut the cord on Robert when they traded him to the Mets last winter. They were clearly looking to move on from his contract. The Mets hoped he would bounce back, but his offensive production plummeted instead. He struggled to stay healthy from 2024-25, which killed his value on the field.
According to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, Saturday saw the Mets put Robert on outright waivers. This timing gives the front office a clear shot at cleaning up their books. If Robert clears waivers, the Mets can assign him to the minors or release him. This would end his time in Queens without adding another team to the mix. The player remains eligible to play for the Mets while this process unfolds.
Anthony Franco wrote that Robert was a candidate for waivers before the move became official. His analysis pointed out the high risk involved for any other club. The numbers simply do not add up for a team looking to spend lightly. The Mets are now waiting to see if any team takes a flyer on a former All-Star with a massive contract.
The clock is ticking as the 48-hour window closes. If no team claims him, the Mets face a choice between keeping him in the minors or eating the rest of the salary. The $5.4 million luxury tax relief is the main reason they made this move. It shows how serious the front office is about avoiding financial penalties. The team wants to clear space for the next wave of talent.
