Latest Mets, Luis Robert Jr. Trade Rumors Ahead of 2025 MLB Deadline amid 25-15 Start
The New York Mets haven't ramped up their interest in Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr., according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman.
Heyman reported Sunday that "there's nothing hot at the moment," noting New York "checked on him in the past."
USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported the White Sox "finally are starting to get some inquiries," with the Mets "recently among the teams checking in and showing interest." Per Nightengale, Chicago would want would want 23-year-old starting pitcher Blade Tidwell coming back in a swap with New York.
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The White Sox are off to an 11-29 start, seemingly increasing the odds Robert is on another team before the July 31 trade deadline.
During the offseason and in the weeks after Opening Day, the Mets made logical sense as a landing spot. Paying the $55 million Robert can be owed over the next three years shouldn't be an issue for team owner Steve Cohen, and signing Jose Siri to be the everyday option in center left something to be desired because he was a .210 career hitter coming into 2025.
Now, Siri is sidelined entirely due a fractured tibia he suffered in April. Manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters Saturday the 29-year-old is "definitely progressing a lot quicker than I was or we were anticipating." Still, there's room to upgrade in center even once Siri is back on the field.
Granted, Robert isn't doing anything to boost his trade value. Through 37 appearances, he has a .186/.293/.326 slash line.
The 2023 All-Star could simply be a player who needs a change of scenery. Going from a team in last place to one in first tends to have an uplifting effect.
It's hard to picture Robert remaining in the Windy City by August. The White Sox are going nowhere and they've already watched a great trade asset depreciate enough.
The Mets, meanwhile, could do some fine-tuning at the deadline as they gear up for the second half. A 25-15 record may dissuade them from doing anything too drastic, though.
