The New York Mets could be on the hunt for a new centerfielder near the trade deadline. Luis Robert Jr. will be one of the hottest names on the market, but adding him will not be cheap.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale has revealed that the Mets are showing interest in Robert. They are among teams checking in on the former All-Star’s availability as the Chicago White Sox are once again shaping up to be sellers. Robert has $20 million club options for 2026 and 2027 and would demand a decent return in any trade.
ClutchPoints’ Bailey Bassett proposed this trade that would swap two of the Mets’ best prospects in exchange for Robert:
- Mets receive: Luis Robert Jr.
- White Sox receive: right-handed pitcher Blade Tidwell and outfielder Drew Gilbert
Tidwell surrendered six earned runs in his MLB debut earlier this year, but he is still one of the best prospects the Mets have. He is their No. 15 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline. Meanwhile, Gilbert is the No. 10 prospect in the organization. While Gilbert and Tidwell are top 30 prospects, they would not be an astronomical asking price.
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Robert is hitting just .186 this year, but starting to look more like the All-Star player he was in 2023. He is slashing .265/.357/.469 since April 25. He is also leading the American League in stolen bases.
“A Robert trade would be low-risk, high-reward for the Mets,” wrote Bassett. “If he could return to his old form, then the team would have another key piece for a title run. If not, then the team could let him walk in the offseason. Robert’s contract includes club options for each of the next two years.”
Additionally, on the White Sox, Robert is the only real threat at the plate. Teams can pitch him carefully. However, in a lineup with Pete Alonso, Juan Soto and Pete Alonso he could thrive with less pressure on him.
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