Orioles Expected to Decline Luis Robert Jr. Option as Phillies Search for Outfield Help

According to Francys Romero of BeisbolFR, who reported it Thursday, the Baltimore Orioles are expected to decline their $20 million club option on Luis Robert Jr. in 2027. That would mean a $2 million buyout and free agency for Robert, who is 29.

Back in July 2025, with Robert still playing for the Chicago White Sox, Romero reported that the Philadelphia Phillies were watching him closely. That same month, Jon Heyman of the New York Post wrote that as many as eight teams had called the White Sox about Robert. The Phillies were on his list.

The White Sox held on to him through that deadline. They picked up his $20 million option for 2026 in November, and on Jan. 20 they sent him to the New York Mets for Luisangel Acuña and Truman Pauley.

The Mets let him go in late August. Juan Soto had just come back from the injured list, and Robert went on waivers. Baltimore grabbed him Aug. 31 and picked up about $3 million in salary, along with the 2027 option or its buyout. On Sept. 3 he homered against the Boston Red Sox at Camden Yards. Days later, his hamstring put him on the injured list.

His combined line: .221/.300/.407 in 230 plate appearances, with 11 homers.

No other season of his has topped 14 home runs. In 2023, he hit 38, made the All-Star team, and won a Silver Slugger.

The plan last December put Adolis García, signed for one year and $10 million, in right field and Justin Crawford in center.

"We're basically pretty well set out there," said Dave Dombrowski, the Phillies' president of baseball operations.

In 67 games, García hit .195/.270/.329. A shoulder injury ended his season, and he is set to hit free agency after the World Series.

Crawford hit .334 at Triple-A Lehigh Valley in 2025. His rookie year in the majors did not look like that, and his defense in center came and went.

At the Oct. 15 end-of-season press conference, Dombrowski said the Phillies need to add at least one outfielder. Brandon Marsh, like Crawford, hits left-handed. Robert hits from the right side.

"I don't think we have an outfielder internally that's ready to fill that hole," Dombrowski said, according to The Athletic's Charlotte Varnes and Matt Gelb.

If Baltimore follows through, Robert joins Randy Arozarena, Seiya Suzuki, and Taylor Ward on the free-agent outfield market. ESPN's David Schoenfield paired Arozarena with the Phillies in his list of best fits for the top free agents.

The Orioles had not announced anything as of Saturday. Starting five days after the last game of the World Series, free agents can sign with any of the 30 clubs.