The White Sox traded center fielder Luis Robert Jr. to the Mets late Tuesday, the team announced.
The Sox will receive 23-year-old infielder Luisangel Acuna, the younger brother of 2023 National League MVP Ronald Acuna Jr., and 22-year-old Truman Pauley, a right-hander whom the Mets drafted in the 12th round in 2025. Acuna is playing in the outfield in the Venezuelan Winter League.
According to reports, the Mets are picking up Robert’s $20 million salary for next season, and the Sox aren’t including any cash in the trade.
Robert, 28, was the last trade piece that general manager Chris Getz inherited from the previous regime. Robert had been in constant trade rumors for the last two seasons. Before Opening Day last season, Robert said he was surprised he hadn’t been dealt in the offseason.
An oft-injured but dynamic player, Robert exploded on the scene with his combination of power and speed. His 2023 All-Star season that saw him belt 38 homers with an .857 OPS is still regarded as one of the best in team history. He wowed observers with his athleticism in center field, one aspect of his game that is considered a plus trait.
But injuries ultimately derailed Robert’s career as he cratered at the plate. In the last two seasons, he slashed .223/.288/.372 with 28 homers. He became a symbol of the underachieving core that ultimately failed in its pursuit of winning a World Series.
Getz picked up the $20 million option on Robert’s contract this offseason after deciding to hold on to him at the trade deadline last season. At the winter meetings in December, Getz said teams were still calling about Robert.
Though Getz was effusive in his praise of Robert publicly, many thought it was only a matter of time before the outfielder was dealt. Getz finally received a package he felt was enticing enough to trade Robert.
Robert finishes six seasons with the Sox slashing .259/.313/.455 with 115 doubles, two triples, 102 home runs, 298 RBI, 318 runs scored and 102 stolen bases in 577 games. He won a Gold Glove in 2020 and was named an American League All-Star and won a Louisville Sliver Slugger Award in 2023.
