A new report offers up the latest rumored cost if the New York Mets upgraded center field via a trade for Chicago White Sox veteran Luis Robert Jr.
With the Mets still going with a platoon situation in center, the speculation about a trade for Robert Jr. has not diminished as rumors linking him to the club have persisted since last year. The asking price was higher in 2024, but with him having another mediocre season, it seems the cost may be closer to what New York is willing to spend.
“Given the concerns over Robert’s health and production, coupled with the depth of the Mets’ farm system, New York shouldn’t have to part with their best prospects to acquire Robert,” The Athletic’s Mets insider Will Sammon reports.
“For the Mets, league sources speculatively suggested the cost for Robert may involve multiple prospects in the back end of the club’s top 20. Is that too much for the Mets’ taste?” he questioned. “Whether they view Robert — and the cost to get him — as an upgrade over their current situation at the position remains unknown.”
- Luis Robert Jr. stats (2025): .206 AVG, .292 OBP, .344 SLG,.636 OPS, 10 HR, 40 RBI, 35 R, 25 SB
Is a New York Mets trade for Luis Robert Jr. more realistic now?
Two years ago, Robert Jr. was one of the fastest rising stars in the game as he smashed 38 homers, 80 RBIs, and swiped 20 bags. Along with being a high-level defender in a premium spot in the outfield. However, he has gone into a steep decline ever since.
This year has delivered some of the worst numbers of his six-year career. It puts the Mets in a difficult evaluation situation. A case could be made that being placed in a winning environment and New York’s lineup could help him return to his previous heights. And at his best, he would be a massive addition for the second half and the next two seasons.
- Luis Robert Jr. contract: Six years, $50 million
However, there also might be reason to believe the player fans see now is who he really is. And 2023 was an anomaly. The Mets shouldn’t give up anything for a barely over .200 hitter making $20 million the next two years. Even if they can steal bases and play good defense.
President David Stearns has shown throughout his career a great sense for talent evaluation. If he believes there are obvious signs Robert Jr. could be great in New York, we should take him at his word. And with the price as low as ever, they might be able to get a steal that cold make a huge impact in October. The question will be, does he see those signs?
