The New York Mets are looking for an upgrade in center field, and Luis Robert Jr. has been reported as a potential target.
However, the $50 million outfielder has been very blunt about his performances this season. He even admitted he wouldn’t be a good trade candidate if the trade deadline was today.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MAY 1: Luis Robert Jr #88 of the Chicago White Sox watches the flight of a ball after hitting a three RBI double in the bottom of the seventh inning in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Rate Field on May 1, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois
Matt Dirksen/Getty Images
“As of right now, with how my season is going, I don’t think anyone is going to take a chance on me,” Robert told reporters.
The 27-year-old outfielder is hitting below .200 this season in a White Sox lineup that doesn’t have much talent around him. While Robert Jr. knows he needs to be better, teams are going to pitch around him without much talent in the lineup. If the White Sox had a better lineup, Robert Jr. may see more favorable pitches.
Mike Axisa of CBS Sports still believes Robert Jr. is worth trading for from a contender’s perspective.
“As bad as he’s been, I would not close the door on a Robert trade,” wrote Axisa. “He’s only 27 and there is no long-term commitment. Robert will make $15 million this year and his contract includes $20 million club options for 2026 and 2027. That contract is all upside. If Robert performs well, you can keep him. If he continues to hit under the Mendoza line, you can walk away, no strings attached.”
Axisa cites teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies and Cleveland Guardians as potential options for Robert Jr. as well as the Mets.
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