A new MLB rumor suggests the current asking price in a Luis Robert Jr. trade is at an absurd level that the New York Mets are unlikely to go to.
The Mets are one of the hottest teams in baseball heading into the MLB games today. They look like a club that has a serious chance to win the World Series this fall, especially if they make some upgrades to the roster before Thursday’s MLB trade deadline.
Bolstering the pitching staff and adding an impact player in center field are reportedly their top priorities. Getting a stud talent in CF has been a rumored goal since last year. And Chicago White Sox veteran Luis Robert Jr. has been linked to the club during that time. Yet, a trade has never seemed close to happening. That looks unlikely to change this week.
- Luis Robert stats: .205 AVG, .292 OBP, .348 SLG, .640 OPS, 11 HR, 43 RBI, 38 R, 26 SB
Despite a second straight down season and battling injuries the last two years, the White Sox’s asking price for Robert Jr. is still at delusional levels.
“The White Sox are apparently resolute in the stance that they’ll either receive a trade return the equivalent of what Robert’s potential is or hang onto him beyond the deadline,” ESPN MLB insider Buster Olney reports. “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.
“A lot of Robert’s career has been filled with injury or underwhelming performance, but he’s always been viewed as a superstar talent.”
Olney added that young big league infielders Luisangel Acuna and Mark Vientos have been bandied about in trade discussions between the two teams.
Luis Robert contract: Two years, $20 million left (Club options in both seasons)
Robert could be a big addition for the Mets. He is two years removed from a breakthrough All-Star season. And many believe a change of scenery and a better lineup could bring that player back out of him. However, a case could be made that 2023 was an anomaly and the last two seasons are the player he really is.
Considering that, and his injury woes, he isn’t a player worth giving up premium minor league talent for. If Vientos, who was a monster in the second half and the playoffs for the Mets in 2024, isn’t enough as the core of a deal, it is unlikely savvy team president, David Stearns, will overspend for the one-time All-Star.
