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Orioles’ Luis Robert Jr. decision could give Padres a second chance to land him

A second chance deserves a few first questions.
ByTremayne Person
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Sep 3, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) reacts to hitting a home run as he rounds the bases against the Boston Red Sox during the fourth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Sep 3, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) reacts to hitting a home run as he rounds the bases against the Boston Red Sox during the fourth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Padres have tried to bring Luis Robert Jr. to San Diego in the past. They might soon get another shot, and maybe A.J. Preller should give it some real consideration.

We should also want him to ask a few harder questions this time. Baltimore is expected to decline Robert’s $20 million club option for 2027, sending him toward free agency with a $2 million buyout. That would put a familiar target back within reach as the Padres sort out their needs for the offseason.

There’s a real connection here. San Diego submitted a waiver claim for Robert before Baltimore landed him. The Orioles had priority because of their worse record. Preller’s interest went beyond admiring the talent from a distance. He actually tried to acquire the player.

Free agency would give Robert a say in where he goes and San Diego a chance to make its pitch.

Robert was coming off an August in which he produced an .841 OPS and six home runs when the Padres put in their claim. So the appeal was there.

Padres should revisit Luis Robert Jr. with a clear plan for left field

Fernando Tatis Jr. and Jackson Merrill give San Diego two established outfield fixtures. The appeal of adding Robert is finding another dangerous bat to join them without having to negotiate a trade. It also wouldn’t hurt since he’s a right-handed bat.

The concern is how often that bat would actually be available. Robert’s 2026 injured list history included a lumbar spine disc herniation with the Mets and left hamstring discomfort after joining Baltimore.

We can appreciate the talent and still demand a convincing explanation for how he helps over six months. And with all the talent he possesses, staying healthy has been one of his biggest issues throughout his career.

Preller should want to know what Robert can handle physically, how the club would use him in left field, and who plays when he needs time off. That should also impact the kind of contract he receives.

The Padres’ earlier claim gives them a reason to revisit Robert. It doesn’t obligate them to finish the pursuit.

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