Mets find outfield upgrade in late-night trade for Luis Robert Jr.

The New York Mets have addressed one of the holes in their outfield.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported that the Mets have acquired outfielder Luis Robert Jr. from the White Sox. In exchange, infielder Luisangel Acuna and minor league pitcher Truman Pauley will be heading to Chicago. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Mets will be paying Robert's full salary.

Robert appeared 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 while stealing 20 bases. Robert was an All-Star that season, winning a Silver Slugger award and earning down-ballot MVP votes.

Mets continue push to improve defense by adding Luis Robert Jr.

Everything fell apart for Robert afterward. He battled injuries over the past two seasons, posting a combined .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, providing some value when he was able to get on base.

Robert showed signs 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 five homers and three doubles before a strained left hamstring ended his season.

A former top prospect, Acuna had been unable to establish himself with the Mets. He had settled into a utility role in New York, posting a .234/.293/.274 batting line in 193 plate appearances, hitting seven doubles while stealing 16 bases. Acuna has spent time at second, short, third and center, giving the White Sox several avenues to get him in the lineup. Pauley, a 12th-round selection in the 2025 MLB Draft, has just 4.1 innings of professional experience. He has a four-pitch mix with a mid-90s fastball with elite arm side movement, a low-80s sweeper, a two-plane slider and barely used changeup.

Robert fits the Mets' stated goal of improving their run prevention as he saved five runs defensively in center in 2025 and is a former Gold Glove winner. Robert, along with shortstop Francisco Lindor and second baseman Marcus Semien, give the Mets a strong defensive core up the middle with the potential for a stronger lineup in 2026.