Orioles decline Robert’s 2027 option, remove Suárez from roster

The Orioles continued making moves on Halloween night, creating more room on their 40-man roster.

They declined the $20 million 2027 option on outfielder Luis Robert Jr.’s contract. The Orioles will pay him a $2 million buyout.

Robert, who was claimed off waivers from the New York Mets on August 31^st, injured his left hamstring while playing in his third game with the Orioles. He was 2-for-11 (.182) with a home run and three RBIs.

Right-hander Albert Suárez, who was eligible for arbitration, and shortstop José Barrero passed through waivers and declined outright assignments to Triple-A Norfolk.

Suárez, who was designated for assignment five times and re-signed with the Orioles each time, was 3-0 with a 3.86 ERA and a save in 28 games. It’s possible that he’ll again sign a minor league contract with the Orioles, as he did last year after he was removed from the 40-man roster.

Barrero was 1-for-6 (.167) in two games.

Right-hander Colin Selby, who didn’t pitch in 2026 after right shoulder surgery, cleared outright waivers and was assigned to Norfolk.

Right-hander Codi Heuer cleared waivers and accepted an outright assignment to Norfolk.

Heuer, who was also eligible for arbitration, didn’t pitch in his three-game stint with the Orioles in September. He was acquired from Milwaukee on August 3^rd.

The Orioles’ 40-man roster is at 33. They need to remove right-handers Kyle Bradish and Ryan Helsley, infielder Jordan Westburg and outfielder Tyler O’Neill from the 60-day injured list and put them back on the 40-man roster by Monday.

They’ll also need to make a decision on whether to exercise the $7.5 million option on first baseman/designated hitter Ryan Mountcastle, who’s also on the 60-day IL.

The Orioles also must decide whether they’ll extend a qualifying offer to left-hander Trevor Rogers by 5 p.m. on Monday.

With the removal of Heuer and Suárez from the 40-man roster, Westburg, reliever Félix Bautista, outfielder Colton Cowser, shortstop Gunnar Henderson and outfielder Leody Taveras are the team’s arbitration-eligible players.

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