Luis Robert Jr.'s $20M Contract Option Reportedly Declined by Orioles, Buyout Details Revealed

The Baltimore Orioles have declined their $20 million team option on outfielder Luis Robert Jr., opting to instead pay him a $2 million buyout and make him a free agent, according to ESPN's Alden Gonzalez.

Robert was once one of baseball's top rising stars, ranking third on MLB.com's 2020 prospect list while he was in the Chicago White Sox organization. Chicago initially signed the Cuban outfielder in 2017 in a deal that included a $26 million signing bonus.

Before he even reached the majors, Robert signed a six-year, $50 million contract in Jan. 2020 with a pair of team options for 2026 and 2027.

He finished second in the American League 2020 Rookie of the Year race and earned Gold Glove honors as well.

Injuries held him back in 2021 and 2022, when he played just 166 of a total 324 games. Those ailments included a complete tear of his right hip flexor in 2021 and a sprained left wrist in 2022.

Robert enjoyed his best season in 2023, when he hit 38 home runs (80 RBI) and posted an .857 OPS in 145 games. He earned All-Star and Silver Slugger honors.

However, Robert encountered more injury issues in 2024 (Grade 2 flexor strain in his right hip) and 2025 (Grade 2 hamstring strain, groin tightness). He ultimately missed 114 games over those seasons. During that stretch, Robert hit .223 (.660 OPS) with 28 homers and 88 RBI in 210 games.

Chicago traded Robert to the Mets last January for Luisangel Acuña and minor leaguer Truman Pauley, and he began the year as the team's starting center fielder.

Robert then dealt with more injuries, this time a lumbar disc herniation. He played just 58 games for the Mets, hitting .223 (.702 OPS) with 10 homers and 23 RBI. New York placed Robert on outright waivers on Aug. 29.

Two days later, the Orioles claimed the 29-year-old Robert for the rest of the season. Robert landed on the injured list again, this time with left hamstring discomfort. He played just three games, going 2-for-11 with a homer and three RBI.

In total, Robert slashed .221/.300/.407 with 11 home runs and 26 RBI in 2026.