Padres reportedly outbid by Orioles for $93M Silver Slugger, much-needed playoff power bat

The New York Mets made a surprising decision earlier in the week, with injuries playing a role in the move. Although the Mets are not expected to make the playoffs, they decided to part ways with one of the most powerful bats in the league when healthy.

New York is clearly building for next season, and that has been apparent for some time. However, waiving Luis Robert Jr. was a decision that many around the league have struggled to understand.

“The Mets have placed outfielder Luis Robert Jr. on outright waivers, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports. The league’s other 29 teams have 48 hours to claim Robert, who is eligible to continue playing for the Mets during the process,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Connor Byrne wrote.

Teams around the league in need of a power bat for the playoffs were expected to have interest in Robert. Instead, it was the struggling Baltimore Orioles who ultimately claimed him off waivers.

“The Baltimore Orioles take a $5 million gamble and claim CF Luis Robert Jr from the Mets. Chelsea Janes on it,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale wrote.

It was surprising to see that no playoff contender was able to land the former Silver Slugger Award winner. The San Diego Padres suffered injuries to Gavin Sheets and Luis Rengifo over the weekend and attempted to claim Robert, but Baltimore had higher waiver priority and ultimately got him.

“The Orioles weren’t the only suitor for Luis Robert Jr. when he hit the waiver wire last week. The Padres also submitted a claim for the outfielder, per Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune. Baltimore was higher on the waiver priority list, given its worse record, so Robert became an Oriole,” MLB Trade Rumors’ Charlie Wright wrote.

This is a difficult situation for the Padres, as they could have used Robert’s bat and his ability to play the outfield. Unfortunately for San Diego, waiver priority is out of its control. The Padres are fighting for one of the final playoff spots in the National League, making the missed opportunity even more frustrating.

Robert has made $93 million throughout his career. With injuries already affecting San Diego’s roster, the path to the playoffs has become even more challenging. That is why losing out on Robert stings, especially when the Padres actually attempted to claim him but were beaten by Baltimore because of its worse record.

A bat like Robert’s could have made the Padres’ lineup even more dangerous down the stretch as they continue their push for October.

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