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Mets Would Likely Pay High Price for Luis Robert Jr. Trade
Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

The New York Mets have reportedly shown interest in Chicago White Sox star Luis Robert Jr. ahead of the MLB trade deadline, but one report suggests the former All-Star would come at a very high price.

ESPN's Buster Olney reported that the Mets and NL East rival Philadelphia Phillies have both shown interest in Robert, though the White Sox may not be financially motivated to part ways with Robert just yet. Chicago has some contract flexibility with the 27-year-old, Olney wrote.

"The White Sox hold a $20 million option on Robert next season, and they have tons of payroll flexibility moving forward, meaning that there really is no financial stress in the decision; Chicago doesn't have to dump the contract," Olney reported.

That could give the White Sox the flexibility to seek a big return, and Olney suggested that the Mets could have to part ways with one of two rising stars within the system.

"A lot of Robert's career has been filled with injuries or underwhelming performance, but he has always been viewed as a superstar talent," Olney reported. "Luisangel Acuna and Mark Vientos are among the names who have come up in conversations with the Mets, and the Phillies have a farm system loaded with pitching."

Robert is falling below the potential this season, hitting just .213 with 11 home runs. But for a Mets team looking to make a World Series run, his past performance could be enough to warrant a discussion.

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

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