Luis Robert Jr. joins the Orioles, a sign the owners ‘believe in this team’

DENVER — In the corner of the large visiting clubhouse at Coors Field, Luis Robert Jr. stood as a member of his third team in the last 12 months.

“Weird emotions,” said Robert through team interpreter Brandon Quinones. “I’ve never changed teams midseason in this way, but at the same time, excited.”

The Orioles claimed Robert off waivers this week from the New York Mets, and he was activated Tuesday as part of a slew of roster moves that saw outfielder Heston Kjerstad and right-hander Albert Suárez return, as well as left-hander Luis De León receive his first promotion to the majors.

Robert is the biggest star in the bunch, even if he hasn’t played like one for several years. Injuries have played a large role in that; he missed almost three months this year because of a lumbar spine disc herniation.

But since the start of August, Robert is hitting .267 with an .841 on-base-plus-slugging percentage. He also brings strong defense to center field and left field. And if Robert can recapture anything close to the form that made him an All-Star in the not-so-distant past for the Chicago White Sox, the 29-year-old could prove impactful for the Orioles as they push for a postseason spot across the final 24 games.

By making that gamble, Baltimore is taking on about $3 million in base salary the rest of this season. Robert has a club option for $20 million next year, and if the Orioles opt against exercising it, Robert will be due a $2 million buyout.

During an appearance on MLB Network on Tuesday, president of baseball operations Mike Elias credited the ownership group for their willingness to add payroll a month after selling at the deadline.

“I really want to thank and credit our owners, David Rubenstein, for recognizing the position that the team was in, wanting to do everything they could to help, and committing what could potentially be that amount of money toward somebody who is going to come and hopefully help us for the month of September, but hopefully into October,” he said. “Big signal from the owners that they believe in this team, and we think that Luis is going to help.”

Elias said Robert has “superstar tools” with “enormous” raw power that can help from the right side of the plate. With outfielder Tyler O’Neill injured, Robert’s addition brings more thump against left-handed pitching.

The Orioles previously held discussions with the Chicago White Sox — where Robert played for parts of six seasons — about acquiring the outfielder, Elias said. Over the winter, Robert was traded to the Mets.

“His track record, his pedigree, the tools are real,” manager Craig Albernaz added. “We’re excited to have him.”

With the Mets falling well out of playoff contention, they placed Robert on waivers in a cost-saving move. Robert said he understood the business aspect of New York’s decision.

Now with Baltimore, he’s joining a club that is 69-69 but only half a game out of the final American League wild-card spot.

“It feels good,” Robert said. “That’s what you always play for from the moment you arrive in spring training. Unfortunately, didn’t happen with the Mets, but I’m excited to have this opportunity here and to try to do it with this team.”

He may be new to the Orioles, but he’s not a stranger to some of the players. More than a decade ago, in a small Cuban town, Robert played with right-hander Yennier Cano for Ciego de Avila. Robert was 16, 17 and 18 on that team; Cano is three years older.

When Cano found out the Orioles were claiming Robert, he immediately reached out. That connection may help Robert settle here.

“It’s a cool feeling knowing that I would come to a new team but have a familiar face that I can lean on,” he said.