Mets Eye White Sox Star Outfielder

Deja Vu has entered the rumor mill for the Mets. Once again, there is interest in potentially acquiring White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr., reported by Michael Marino earlier this evening.

Mets Eye White Sox Star Outfielder

The Mets had shown interest in Robert for the weeks leading up to the trade deadline this past July, but never pulled the trigger due to the White Sox’s steep asking price for their former star. Chicago had demanded top prospects from the Mets’ system, which included players like Mark Vientos, Luisangel Acuna, Jacob Reimer, and A.J. Ewing as part of any potential package. New York viewed Robert as a possible rental player, despite having reasonable team options for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. However, the White Sox valued Robert so highly for his club control, which they highlighted at the start of this offseason when they exercised their club option.

The Mets ultimately pivoted on the day of the deadline, acquiring center fielder Cedric Mullins from the Baltimore Orioles, who cost much less and was a legit rental piece.

What adding Robert does for the Mets.

After trading away longtime left fielder Brandon Nimmo, the Mets now have two unfilled roles in their outfield. Juan Soto is locked in for the next 14 years to right field, while the Mets have up-and-coming top prospect Carson Benge on the cusp of entering the big leagues, which leaves a wide-open spot in left. David Stearns has so far expressed interest in players on the market, such as Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker. However, both players would require long-term deals, locking them up in Queens for the next several years.

Trading for Robert would be much less expensive now that his entire 2025 season is over, while he has shown no ability to improve his performance. The 28-year-old had a down season in terms of production, batting .223 with 14 home runs and 53 RBIs, along with 33 stolen bases in 110 games played. His .661 OPS is the second-worst of his career, trailing the .657 OPS he produced in 2024.

However, there may still be gas left in Luis Robert’s tank.

Potential is still there.

Robert showed a bittersweet flash of hope following the trade deadline, holding a line of .298/.352/.456 in 31 games before suffering his final injury. The brief hot streak showed teams that there’s still potential left, but it simply wasn’t enough to salvage his brutal numbers throughout the year.

Looking at advanced underlying metrics, they suggest a potential rebound if he can stay healthy in 2026. Robert’s wOBA (.289) was significantly lower than his xwOBA (.330), which showed he was making better contact than his results had indicated. His batting average was .223, but his expected batting average was slightly higher at .243, suggesting a narrative of “bad luck.”

Robert also achieved a career-best walk rate of 9.3%, indicating improved plate discipline and a more patient approach. Along with this, Robert ranked in the 91st percentile for sprint speed, underscoring his elite, non-degrading athleticism despite several lower-body injuries. Lastly, his defensive status remains elite, totaling a +7 out above average (OAA), which was in the 84th percentile.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Mets could potentially take a flyer on Robert, acquiring the former All-Star as more of a “prove it” deal, especially with him still having a $20 million club option in 2027, which makes him a free agent for the 2028 season. Although Carson Benge is shooting up the ranks in the minors, adding Robert will allow the Mets to let the young star continue to develop, while even possibly having a chance to see playing time in other spots before becoming a full-time starter.

A trade for Robert could send the Mets’ relief pitcher Steven Wilson. In return, they would send either Mark Vientos or Luisangel Acuna, who the Sox showed interest in, along with their No. 13 and No. 11 prospects in Jack Wenninger and Will Watson.