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 31st, 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 3rd.
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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