Trade buzz is beginning to build on the South Side, and Luis Robert Jr. is right at the center of the conversation.
With the Chicago White Sox heading toward a rebuild, Robert has long been seen as their most valuable trade asset. Now, the urgency to deal him may be increasing.
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that the White Sox could try to move Robert before May ends—provided he heats up at the plate. So far, though, he hasn’t caught fire, managing just 4 hits in 19 at-bats since the report surfaced, with only one walk and five strikeouts.
Even so, interest is already picking up. Nightengale noted Sunday that teams are reaching out, with the New York Mets reportedly among the early suitors.
And frankly, the match feels like a natural one.
Acquiring Luis Robert Jr. Makes Sense for New York Mets
Dealing with injuries and lackluster output in center field, the Mets have been relying on Tyrone Taylor since Jose Siri suffered a fractured tibia. Taylor has been adequate, posting a .249/.295/.317 slash line—not terrible, but certainly not what the Mets envisioned for a contending roster. Luis Robert Jr., despite recent concerns, brings a level of talent Taylor can’t match.
That said, Robert’s “recent concerns” are significant. Since the beginning of 2024, he’s struggled at the plate, batting just .215/.282/.366 with 19 home runs over 137 games—a full season’s worth—while striking out nearly 33% of the time. Yet there are positives. He’s contributed 38 steals, provided consistent defense in center, and maintained a decent 8.3% walk rate, indicating some remaining plate discipline.
There’s also a sense among evaluators that Robert’s slump might be somewhat misleading. His .244 BABIP is well below his career average, and his .326 expected wOBA suggests he’s been better than his results indicate. It’s reminiscent of his 2022 campaign, when he hit .284/.319/.426 across 98 games. For a Mets team short on depth in center and hungry for upside, that version of Robert would be a significant boost.
And then there’s the ceiling. Between 2021 and 2023, when healthy, Robert produced at a four- to five-WAR level—an All-Star caliber player. That’s the version the Mets would hope to unlock.
Ultimately, though, everything hinges on the asking price.
White Sox Reportedly Interested in Blade Tidwell if Trading Luis Robert Jr. to Mets
Bob Nightengale reports that the White Sox are showing interest in Mets right-hander Blade Tidwell as part of a potential trade package. That would be a tough loss for New York, as Tidwell—ranked as the Mets’ No. 15 prospect—just debuted in the majors. Despite a rough first outing, he’s seen as a valuable rotation depth piece, especially given the team’s recent injuries.
It’s unlikely the Mets would move Tidwell this early in the season unless the return is significant—or they can secure other reinforcements. More realistically, the team may take a wait-and-see approach with Luis Robert Jr., monitoring the market as it develops.
Still, center field remains one of the Mets’ biggest lineup weaknesses—alongside left field and second base—so the pressure to act could increase if alternatives like Cedric Mullins or Willi Castro don’t become available.
Robert has his flaws, but he’s arguably the most compelling center field option expected to be on the market. For a Mets team with postseason aspirations, a player like that could be a game-changer.
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