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Mets land former All-Star outfielder in trade

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated Jan 21, 2026 2:15 AM ET

The New York Mets are rolling the dice on former All-Star outfielder Luis Robert Jr.

Several reporters confirmed on Tuesday that the Mets have agreed to a trade with the Chicago White Sox for Robert in exchange for infielder Luisangel Acuña and minor-league pitcher Truman Pauley. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Mets will assume the entire $20 million left in Robert’s contract.

The New York Mets get their outfielder and the Chicago White finally are able to dump CF Luis Robert. The White Sox get infielder Luisangel Acuña and minor league right-hander Truman Pauley back. The Mets will assume the entire $20 million of Robert’s contract. @JeffPassan 1st.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) January 21, 2026

News of the Robert deal came the same day the Mets were linked to free agent outfielder Cody Bellinger. The move to acquire Robert probably won’t dissuade New York from signing Bellinger if it gets the chance, but it does provide the Mets with insurance in case the team falls short, as they did in their pursuit of Kyle Tucker.

Robert was projected to be the White Sox’s next superstar outfielder. He had his breakout campaign in 2023 when he batted .264 while leading the team in home runs (38), RBIs (80), and OPS (.857).

Rather than continue on his star turn, Robert regressed in 2024 and 2025. The Cuban center fielder had a batting average below .225 while failing to hit more than 14 home runs in either campaign. Robert was well aware of his fall from grace, even offering a depressing quote midway through the 2025 season about his lack of trade suitors.

The Mets were linked to Robert last month following the departure of Pete Alonso. New York is clearly hoping a change of scenery is all Robert needs to regain his 2023 form.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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