The New York Mets have addressed one of many holes of their outfield.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that the Mets have acquired outfielder Luis Robert Jr. from the White Sox. In trade, infielder Luisangel Acuna and minor league pitcher Truman Pauley will probably be heading to Chicago. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Mets will probably be paying Robert’s full wage.
Robert seemed to be a burgeoning star following the 2023 season. He posted a .264/.315/.542 batting line in his 595 plate appearances, hitting 38 homers and 36 doubles whereas stealing 20 bases. Robert was an All-Star that season, profitable a Silver Slugger award and incomes down-ballot MVP votes.
Mets proceed push to enhance protection by including Luis Robert Jr.
Every part fell aside for Robert afterward. He battled accidents over the previous two seasons, posting a mixed .223/.288/.372 batting line with 28 homers and 31 doubles over 856 plate appearances between 2024 and 2025. Robert did steal 56 bases in that span, offering some worth when he was capable of get on base.
Robert confirmed indicators of snapping out of his offensive malaise in the second half of 2025. He posted a .298/.352/.456 batting line in 125 plate appearances after the All-Star Break, hitting 5 homers and three doubles earlier than a strained left hamstring ended his season.
A former prime prospect, Acuna had been unable to determine himself with the Mets. He had settled right into a utility position in New York, posting a .234/.293/.274 batting line in 193 plate appearances, hitting seven doubles whereas stealing 16 bases. Acuna has frolicked at second, brief, third and heart, giving the White Sox a number of avenues to get him within the lineup. Pauley, a Twelfth-round choice within the 2025 MLB Draft, has simply 4.1 innings {of professional} expertise. He has a four-pitch combine with a mid-90s fastball with elite arm facet motion, a low-80s sweeper, a two-plane slider and barely used changeup.
Robert suits the Mets’ said aim of bettering their run prevention as he saved 5 runs defensively in heart in 2025 and is a former Gold Glove winner. Robert, together with shortstop Francisco Lindor and second baseman Marcus Semien, give the Mets a powerful defensive core up the center with the potential for a stronger lineup in 2026.
