The New York Mets have acquired center fielder Luis Robert Jr. in a trade, sending Acuña and Pauley in return.

MLB.com reporter Mark Feinsand revealed that the Mets have agreed with the White Sox to acquire center fielder Luis Robert Jr., sending infielder Luisangel Acuña and right-handed pitcher Truman Pauley in exchange. The trade has not yet been officially confirmed by either team.

Discussions about trading Robert began before the 2024 trade deadline. During spring training for the 2025 season, he expressed uncertainty about making the White Sox’s opening day roster. Ultimately, the center fielder stayed with the team until the offseason when the trade was finalized.

Robert’s standout season was just two years ago; in 2023, he was an All-Star, posting a slash line of .264/.315/.542 with 38 home runs, 36 doubles, 20 stolen bases, 90 runs scored, and 80 RBIs—one of the most complete seasons in White Sox history. Although he has shown consistent high-level performance over time, his offensive production noticeably declined over the past two seasons, with a .660 OPS and 28 home runs across 210 games.

Staying healthy has always been the biggest challenge for this 28-year-old Cuban player. In the 2025 season, he appeared in only 110 games due to two left hamstring strains, the second of which sidelined him from August 26 for the remainder of the White Sox’s season (which ended with just 60 wins).

Robert maintains a low-key demeanor in the clubhouse but is highly adaptable and consistently focused on improving his skills. The White Sox have exercised his $20 million team option for 2026, and they hold a similar $20 million option for 2027 (with a $2 million buyout). After that, he will become a free agent.

Fundamentally, Robert remains a reliable defensive center fielder who may not often make spectacular plays but provides steady contributions. In 2025, he set a career high with 33 stolen bases, and over 577 career games, he has accumulated 102 stolen bases and 102 home runs. Joining his new team’s lineup, he will benefit from reduced offensive pressure, but the key to his success will always be staying healthy and consistently available.