The New York Mets have been making headlines this offseason. First, Steve Cohen and Co. traded Brandon Nimmo for Marcus Semien. More recently, New York signed Bo Bichette to a three-year deal. There were a few other deals mixed in there, as well. However, the Mets were missing one key position in the lineup: center field. And they just filled that hole via trade.
New York was very much in play to sign Cody Bellinger. He would have been the perfect fit in center field for the Mets. However, he was mulling contracts over, and the price tag started to get high. The Mets are no strangers to big contracts, but there was a cheaper option on the trade market. That was the route they ultimately decided to take.
Per Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Mets have acquired Luis Robert Jr from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for Luisangel Acuna and Truman Pauley.
Mets receive: CF Luis Robert Jr.
White Sox receive: IF Luisangel Acuña and RHP Truman Pauley
It may have cost them a former top prospect, but the Mets have their center fielder for 2026.
Luis Robert Jr Slides Into Center Field
GettyLuis Robert Jr will immediately become the center fielder in New York.
The Mets needed a center fielder, and Luis Robert Jr is a good one. Over the course of his six-year career, the right-handed batter has a .767 OPS, 111 OPS+, and 15.8 WAR. He won a Gold Glove during his rookie season and was selected to the American League All-Star team in 2023.
Injuries have been the one thing holding Robert Jr back, though. He has played in 110 games or fewer in four of his last five seasons. Those injuries have caused the Cuban outfielder decline just a bit over the last two seasons.
Over the last two years, Robert Jr has slashed .223/.288/.372 with 28 home runs, 88 RBI, and 56 stolen bases over 210 games played. His speed has never wavered, but his power numbers have taken a big hit. The Mets are hoping that they can help keep him healthy, while also returning him to his All-Star form.
The 28-year-old is owed $20 million in 2026 with a club option for 2027. The buyout on that contract is just $2 million, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
Robert is much cheaper than Bellinger would have been on the market. If he stays healthy and pans out, New York may have just gotten the steal of the offseason.
Mets Say Goodbye to Former Top Prospect
GettyLuisangel Acuna will head to the Chicago White Sox.
Luisangel Acuna was a top prospect for the Mets before being called up in 2025. He finished his rookie year with a disappointing .567 OPS and 63 OPS+. That is not the reason New York was willing to give him up, though.
The Mets trading for Semien and signing Bichette is the reason. Those two players will play second base and third base, respectively. With Francisco Lindor at shortstop, the Mets have a full infield. There is no room for Acuna on the major league roster.
Both Mark Vientos and Ronny Mauricio can fill the same positions as Acuna. Acuna has a lot of potential, and he is still just 23 years old. But trading him for a very high-upside center fielder in Robert makes the trade worth it.
Mets Acquire White Sox All-Star Outfielder Amid Cody Bellinger Rumors