The news that the New York Mets have traded for Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. is sure to be met with a smile by decision-makers in the New York Yankees front office.
For many NY Mets fans, this was viewed as a very disappointing and frustrating offseason until recently. Four core members of their team over the last few years departed in trades or free agency, including All-Stars Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz.
Making matters worse, the new additions the club made didn’t really excite fans. However, over the last week, the NY Mets have been busy. After coming up short in the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes, they responded to that failure by giving Toronto Blue Jays All-Star Bo Bichette a three year-deal worth $126 million.
Following the signing, there were rumblings that the NY Mets could still make a hard run at NY Yankees star Cody Bellinger. The versatile outfielder reportedly has long had fans in Queens. However, on Tuesday, the Amazin’s acquired a different outfielder they have long had interest in.
After being linked to him for well over a year, the NY Mets made a trade for talented White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. In the deal, the team is sending infielder Luisangel Acuna and right-hander Truman Pauley. The Mets will take on all of the remaining money on Robert Jr.’s contract, which is $20 million in 2026 and another $20 million in a club option next year.
NY Mets acquiring Luis Robert takes them out of Cody Bellinger chase
The NY Mets’ acquisition of Robert Jr. helps with their goal of improving their defense. It gets them a proven veteran for one of their two open outfield spots and lands them a young one-time All-Star who still has a ton of potential if they can figure out why he has slumped so badly the last two seasons.
It is also great news for the NY Yankees. After all the offseason additions, the NY Mets’ payroll will be around $350 million next season. Since they are well above the highest tax threshold, they will pay a 110% penalty on any additional salary added. Which means the real cost for Robert Jr. is $42 million.
They will not be going after Bellinger after this latest trade. That means one of the top contenders in free agency for the outfielder is off the board. It leaves the Blue Jays and Dodgers as the rumored top competitors left.
The NY Yankees reportedly have a five-year deal worth $160 million on the table for Bellinger. Without the Mets bidding and upping the price, the Pinstripes chances of re-signing him got a lot better. Especially since the word is that he would prefer to stay in New York.
