The Orioles have claimed outfielder Will Robertson off waivers from the Pirates, in accordance with Jake Rill of MLB.com. The O’s have additionally claimed catcher Drew Romo off waivers from the Rockies, in accordance with an announcement from Colorado. There wasn’t any earlier indication these gamers have been on the wire nevertheless it seems their respective golf equipment tried to sneak them via waivers with the intention to open 40-man spots. Baltimore’s 40-man had a emptiness however they might want to open one spot to make these two claims.
Robertson, 28 this month, is a well-liked guess for a late-bloomer breakout. That is the fourth roster he’s been on previously six months. A fourth-round decide of the Blue Jays again 2019, he wasn’t actually on the prospect radar as he climbed the minor league ladder. He would present some occasional pop but in addition struck out about 30% of the time, which restricted his general offensive manufacturing. He has sometimes performed in heart subject however has principally been a corner-only man, which means he must hit to offer worth.
He appeared to search out one other gear in 2025. He put up good numbers in Triple-A to begin the 12 months, sufficient that the Jays referred to as him as much as the large leagues in June. He was designated for project in July and went to the White Sox in a money deal. Between the Jays and the Sox, he hit simply .129/.173/.143 within the majors, however in a tiny pattern of simply 75 plate appearances.
In his 354 Triple-A plate appearances between the 2 golf equipment, he lowered his strikeout fee to 24.9%, nonetheless a excessive quantity however a pleasant drop for him personally. He additionally drew walks at a powerful 13.6% clip and hit 20 dwelling runs. All advised, he had a .289/.387/.571 line at Triple-A this 12 months. That manufacturing interprets to a 148 wRC+, indicating he was 48% above league common at that degree.
Regardless of that sturdy manufacturing, his age and lack of prospect pedigree make him a fringe roster participant. The White Sox put Robertson on waivers in October. The Pirates claimed him and held him for a few months earlier than attempting to move him via waivers themselves. The Orioles have swooped in to seize him.
His path to taking part in time in Baltimore isn’t nice proper now. The Orioles have an outfield combine that consists of Taylor Ward, Tyler O’Neill, Colton Cowser, Dylan Beavers, Jeremiah Jackson, Leody Taveras, Heston Kjerstad, Reed Trimble and others. Robertson nonetheless has choices, so he might be stashed in Triple-A as depth, however the Orioles usually declare gamers off waivers after which later attempt to move them via themselves. In the event that they have been to attempt that with Robertson at a later date and succeed, they may hold him within the system in a non-roster capability.
Extra to return.
