Luis Robert Jr. Traded to Mets: How The Deal Could Transform the White Sox Infield
After months of trade speculation, the White Sox have finally pulled the trigger, dealing Luis Robert Jr. to the New York Mets in exchange for Luisangel Acuña and right-hander Truman Pauley.
The Mets were among several teams reported to have interest in Robert throughout the offseason. According to previous reports from MLB insider Michael Marino, Acuña was a player the White Sox had specifically targeted as part of a potential return.
Acuña Brings Versatility and Upside
Acuña’s addition figures to intensify competition across the White Sox infield. As things stand, Chase Meidroth and Colson Montgomery are penciled in up the middle, with Munetaka Murakami and Miguel Vargas occupying the corner spots, setting the stage for a crowded and competitive infield picture.
It’s a good problem for the White Sox to have, and Acuña adds no shortage of intrigue. The 23-year-old Venezuelan only has 109 Major League games under his belt, all coming across two seasons with the Mets. The early returns haven’t been great.
In 95 games last season, Acuña hit .234/.293/.274 with no home runs, eight RBIs, and 16 stolen bases. While the offensive production was limited, the White Sox now offer him a lower-pressure environment with increased opportunity, consistent at-bats, and the time needed to continue his development.
Acuña has all the tools to be an impactful everyday player. In 2024, he ranked 66th on MLB.com’s Top 100 Prospect rankings. This offseason, he became the first player to hit four home runs in a Venezuelan winter league game. Like Robert, Acuña is also a terror on the basepaths, boasting one of the fastest sprint speeds in baseball.
His addition gives manager Will Venable immediate lineup flexibility. Acuña has experience at second base, third base, and shortstop, and has even appeared in center field, allowing the White Sox to mix and match as they evaluate their infield options.
White Sox Add Hard-Throwing Righty
Pauley has yet to reach the Major Leagues. The 22-year-old right-hander was selected by the Mets in the 12th round of last year’s draft out of Harvard, where he posted a 5.37 ERA in his final season but averaged an impressive 11.6 strikeouts per nine innings.
He arrives in the White Sox system with raw stuff. He stands at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, and can touch 95 mph with his fastball. His arsenal also features a pair of different sliders and a changeup. While there are questions about his command, he possesses clear swing and miss potential, which could turn him into a power bullpen option down the road.
Robert Heads to New York as Mets Gain All-Star Potential
Despite ongoing trade rumors, the White Sox began the offseason by exercising Luis Robert Jr.’s $20 million club option.
According to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman, the Mets had previously asked Chicago to cover a portion of Robert’s salary in trade discussions, a request owner Jerry Reinsdorf was reportedly unwilling to entertain. In this deal, New York will assume the full $20 million option, relieving the White Sox of any financial obligation tied to Robert’s salary.
The trade feels like a win-win for both clubs. The White Sox can continue their rebuild, while the Mets add a top-tier defender in center field with flashes of All-Star-caliber potential.
Chicago had reason to consider holding onto Robert for the start of the season. After an All-Star campaign in 2023, when he posted a 4.9 WAR with 38 home runs and 20 stolen bases, the White Sox had hoped to cash in at the 2024 trade deadline.
However, injuries and a down season limited Robert to 100 games, resulting in the lowest OPS of his career and a significant drop in trade value, forcing Chicago to keep him for another year. That slump carried into 2025, as he finished with 1.4 WAR for the second consecutive season.
Still, there were signs of life late in the year. Before a hamstring injury ended his season in late August, the 28-year-old posted an .808 OPS in the second half, slashing .298/.352/.446 after the All-Star break. White Sox general manager Chris Getz also spoke highly of Robert, as a player he believed could help the White Sox win games and grow the young core.
His move to New York will mark the first time Robert has worn another team’s jersey. In six seasons with the White Sox, he hit .259/.313/.455 with 102 home runs and 298 RBIs. He also finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting, won a Gold Glove in 2020, and followed that with a Silver Slugger Award in 2023.
While Robert never fully developed into the superstar that White Sox fans thought they were getting, a change of scenery could prove beneficial for both parties.