The New York Mets have a few more players on the injured list than they would prefer, but they are still one of the top contenders in the National League this season.
Two of their outfielders, Jose Siri and Jesse Winker, have both missed several weeks with respective injuries. Siri suffered a left tibia fracture in mid-April, and Winker has not played since early May with a right oblique strain.
Juan Soto leads the Mets’ outfield, but there is only so much offensive production he and Brandon Nimmo can provide. Should New York consider adding depth in the outfield at the trade deadline?
White Sox $50 Million Speedster May Be Available
For a fourth consecutive season, the Chicago White Sox are not only one of the worst clubs in the American League, but also in Major League Baseball.
Naturally, their poor record makes them a team that is likely to sell at this year’s trade deadline. Chicago’s centerfielder, Luis Robert Jr, may finally be moved this year after trade discussions surrounding his name the last few seasons.
“Robert has been a popular trade candidate for more than a year, yet the White Sox have yet to move the center fielder to this point. Robertâs season has not gone well â heâs hitting .194 with a .590 OPS through 64 games â but he has 21 stolen bases and is playing solid defense, offering potential suitors speed and good glovework at a premium position,” wrote MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand on Wednesday.
“Robert has shown in the past that he can be an offensive contributor, so perhaps a move to a contender would unlock his potential. Robert is earning $15 million this season and has $20 million club options for both 2026 and 2027.”
Feinsand listed the New York Mets among the San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies as potential suitors for Robert, who finished 12th in the AL MVP voting in 2023. The Cuba native hit 38 home runs, stole 20 bases in 24 attempts, and posted a .857 OPS two seasons ago.
Robertâs Trade Value Is Lower Than in Previous Seasons
As Feinsand mentioned, Robert’s offensive statistics are not what they used to be. He’s hitting just .190, and his 31 percent strikeout rate places him in the fourth percentile among qualified hitters in MLB.
Robert is still a well-above-average defender, making him a possibility in center field or one of the corner outfield spots, especially if manager Carlos Mendoza wants to find more days for Soto at designated hitter.
There’s a possibility that Robert’s poor hitting can be turned around with a fresh start at a new club, such as the Mets. Even if he doesn’t turn things around, David Stearns, the New York Mets’ president of baseball operations, could see value in his defensive capabilities and speed on the basepaths.
Due to Robert’s hitting numbers, the Chicago White Sox may not request more than a few prospects in a potential trade with the Mets. Players like the Mets’ No. 1 and No. 2 prospects on MLB Pipeline, shortstop Jett Williams and right-handed pitcher Brandon Sproat, should be considered untouchable.
A player like 24-year-old outfielder Drew Gilbert, who began the year at Triple-A Syracuse, could make more sense in trade negotiations.
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