The New York Mets are looking at making an upgrade to their outfield ahead of this week’s trade deadline, with one report suggesting they have a $50 million centerfielder in their sights.
ESPN’s Jesse Rogers reported that the Mets are tracking two potential trade targets — Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles and Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox. Rogers noted that several teams are “intrigued” by Robert since he returned from an injury, which could mean some big competition for a Mets team rebounding and hoping to make a World Series run.
Luis Robert a Hot Commodity at Trade Deadline
Rogers noted that Robert had some great production before suffering a groin injury, which kept him out of the lineup until his return on Sunday as a designated hitter.
“Before getting hurt, he was easily having the best month he has had over the past two seasons, hitting .351 with a .442 OBP in July,” Rogers wrote.
But the White Sox may not be in a hurry to part with their star outfielder, who has a $50 million contract and club options for 2026 and 2027. Rodgers suggested that the team is patient and will not part ways with Robert without getting the proper return.
“The White Sox have been waiting for an increase in prospect capital to move forward on a deal,” Rogers wrote. “It’s possible they finally get it this week; but they could always pick up the option in his contract this offseason and do this all over again next year. Robert’s production this month has teams intrigued.”
Mullins could be another target if Robert remains out of reach for the Mets. The Baltimore Orioles centerfielder is hitting .217 with 14 home runs this season.
Mets Also Looking for Pitching Help
The Mets are also seeking some pitching help at the trade deadline, looking ahead to the playoffs and seeking someone who can help at the top of the rotation.
“The market has been very thin in teams offloading, but according to sources, the Mets continue to look around to see whether there’s a match for a starting pitcher capable of taking the ball for a Game 1, Game 2 or Game 3 of a postseason series,” wrote ESPN’s Buster Olney.
Olney added that there are several options for the Mets to consider, including a familiar face in former set-up man turned starter Seth Lugo.
“Merrill Kelly of the Diamondbacks could be that guy, or maybe it’s Seth Lugo of the Royals, or the Padres’ Dylan Cease,” Olney wrote. “Perhaps it’s one of the two big-time starters who will be under team control beyond this season, the Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara or the Twins’ Joe Ryan.”
Olney added that the Mets have been hit hard by injuries, leaving them looking for help that will keep them ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies in the division race. The Mets have won seven straight games to take a 1.5-game lead going into the final week before the trade deadline, but the Phillies are expected to seek their own trade-deadline help to stay in contention.
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