David Stearns and the New York Mets are shaking things up again. Reports say they have just traded for center fielder Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox. In return, the White Sox receive infielder Luisangel Acuña and right-handed pitcher Truman Pauley.
This move marks the fifth center fielder Stearns has brought to the Mets in just over two years. Robert, at 28, is estimated to make $20 million in 2026, with a club option for another $20 million in 2027. The Mets are taking on his full salary to secure what many consider a strong defensive player, but his batting has been a bit of a rollercoaster.
In 2023, Robert hit an impressive 38 home runs in 145 games, but he has struggled significantly in the two years leading up to this trade, posting a batting average of just .223 and an on-base percentage of .288. His OPS+ is only slightly better than that of Mets outfielder Tyrone Taylor, who has held a similar role on the team.
Robert has been a frequent name in trade talks as the White Sox faced difficulties in the American League Central. The Mets had previous interest last July but opted for Cedric Mullins from the Baltimore Orioles instead, a decision that didn’t pan out. The Mets ended the season unsatisfied with that choice.
Social media reactions to the trade have been diverse. Some fans express optimism based on Robert’s potential, while others worry about his recent performance.
Before landing Robert, Stearns had acquired Taylor, Harrison Bader, and José Siri as center-field options. Taylor has managed to fill in when needed but has often been thrust into a starting role, which may have affected his performance.
With this latest acquisition, the Mets have significantly added to their outfield depth. They now have Robert in center, Juan Soto in right, and candidates like Taylor, Carson Benge, and Brett Baty potentially vying for left field.
The Mets were low on outfielders before this deal, with only three players on their 40-man roster. Adding Robert not only boosts their lineup but also gives Benge a chance in spring training.
As for Acuña, he showcased flashes of talent with the Mets but found himself blocked by the addition of other players like Marcus Semien and Bo Bichette. Truman Pauley, the 12th-round pick from Harvard, has just started his professional career, pitching hitless for Single-A St. Lucie.
In the ever-evolving landscape of Major League Baseball, trades like these highlight teams’ strategies to balance talent and make a lasting impact. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Robert fits into the Mets’ plans and whether he can bounce back to form.
For more insights on player performance statistics, check out Baseball Reference.
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Chicago White Sox, New York Mets, MLB
