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3 MLB playoff contenders who should take Luis Robert Jr. off the NY Mets payroll

Does anyone cut the check or do they wait to see if the Mets cut him loose?
Aug 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA;  New York Mets center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) celebrates in the dugout after he hits a two-run  home run against the Chicago White Sox during the third inning at Rate Field.  Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Aug 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New York Mets center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) celebrates in the dugout after he hits a two-run home run against the Chicago White Sox during the third inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Luis Robert Jr. might not be there to celebrate the final broadcast of Howie Rose, Carlos Beltran’s jersey retirement, or any other event the New York Mets have planned in September. The club put him on outright waivers during Saturday’s game, allowing the other 29 teams a chance to grab him for the lone cost of his remaining salary in 2026 plus a $2 million buyout for 2027 (unless they dare to pay him $20 million).

The Mets originally pitched to us that they’d see what Robert could do for them in the final two months, providing him with opportunities to play in left field. Unimpressed enough to alert us they weren’t picking up his player option for next season, we’ll find out in the next 48 hours whether or not someone has claimed him.

Robert was an obvious Mets trade candidate at the deadline, but because of the approximate $8 million owed to him in early August, nobody nibbled with the Mets unwilling to pay down his salary. The waiver placement now comes with a little over $5 million owed to Robert. These three MLB playoff contenders have no excuse not to cash flow the depth he can give their outfield.

The Mets are making Luis Robert Jr. available for anyone willing to pay around $7 million

1) Houston Astros

The Houston Astros did add Daulton Varsho at the trade deadline. Wouldn’t that be something if Robert manages to either leave Queens with the Astros or reunite after this weekend’s series? Houston has had one of the league’s worst center field situations all year. Varsho and Robert in a lefty/righty platoon might help them become a more complete player with maybe even one of them taking over as a full-time player in left field.

2) Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies didn’t do anything new at the trade deadline to improve their center field situation. Justin Crawford has hit lightly this year. Derek Hill continues to be a good depth piece. Robert would help give them a chance to catch some lightning in the bottle. As well as Bryan De La Cruz has performed, it wouldn’t hurt them to bring in one more player.

3) Tampa Bay Rays

This is also the funniest outcome of all. Robert going to the Tampa Bay Rays would help make up for the poor performance of Cedric Mullins this season. Rarely a team that’ll take financial risks, this one seems worth it when we consider Mullins has been in a year-long battle to hit over .200. If the Rays are actually interested in him, they’ll need to wait a long time as they have one of the best records in MLB.

Recently, Eugenio Suarez and TJ Friedl of the Cincinnati Reds passed through waivers successfully. Lower remaining salaries than Robert, will his ability to play defense, run, and maybe put together a hot final month and postseason create a different ending?

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