It appears the New York Mets finished filling up the starting outfield after acquiring Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox.
The New York Mets have finally made a move to complete the building of their starting outfield for 2026.
The Mets acquired former All-Star center fielder Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for infielder Luisangel Acuna and right-handed pitcher Truman Pauley.
Robert is in the midst of a six-year, $50 million contract that he signed in 2020 which included $20 million team options for the next two seasons and a $2 million buyout for 2027. The White Sox picked up his option for 2026, but all contractual decisions now belong to the Mets.
So, what are the Mets getting from Robert? When healthy, “La Pantera” has shown he is a five-tool talent with massive raw power, great speed and defense in center field. In his most healthy season in 2023, he was selected as an All-Star and hit 38 home runs with 80 RBI en route to an .857 OPS in 145 games.
He finished as the runner-up for the American League Rookie of the Year in 2020 and won the Gold Glove in center. Unfortunately for Robert and the White Sox, he’s had injury issues throughout his career. Eliminate 2023 and he hasn’t played more than 110 games in a season, which is a risk for President of Baseball Operations David Stearns, but he can cut ties with him after this season if it doesn’t work out.
Another part of his game that takes away from Robert is his strikeout-to-walk ratio. He strikes out a ton and doesn’t really take free passes often. He is still young, though, and could hit his stride in a new uniform.
If Robert can stay healthy, he may find the 2023 version of himself. But it’s an expensive ‘if,’ given how much potential Acuna has and how much team control the Mets had with him.
MLB Network’s Matt Vasgersian and Harold Reynolds gave a hot take when weighing the trade from both sides.
“If you’re the Mets, you’re taking a risk, a flier on an established player,” Vasgersian said Wednesday. “I get it from the Mets’ perspective, but I’m gonna give you a little hot take here: I like this trade better for the White Sox.”
“I was gonna say the same thing,” Reynolds replied. “I think Acuna is getting ready to be a star.”
The Mets are taking on $20 million for a player they hope can stay on the field enough to make a real impact, while Chicago unloads their highest annually paid player. Depending on how Robert’s one-year stint goes with New York and if he’s brought back, it could end up being a win-win for both teams.