Mets Acquire Robert Jr.: Aims High After Deal with White Sox

2026-01-21 companies

New York, Wednesday, 21 January 2026.
On January 20, 2026, the New York Mets secured Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox, absorbing his $20 million salary and aiming for a stronger outfield.

Trade Details

In exchange for Robert Jr., the White Sox received infielder Luisangel Acuña and right-hander Truman Pauley [2][6]. The Mets are also assuming Robert’s $20 million salary for the 2026 season, which includes a $2 million buyout for 2027 [2][4]. This acquisition marks a significant move for the Mets as they aim to bolster their roster for the upcoming season [6].

Robert’s Performance History

Robert, who signed with the White Sox in 2017 for a $26 million bonus and later inked a $50 million extension during the 2019-2020 offseason, has had a mixed performance record [4]. His standout year was in 2023 when he slashed .264/.315/.542 with 38 home runs, 36 doubles, and 20 stolen bases, earning a Silver Slugger Award [3][4]. However, since the start of 2024, his performance declined, with a .223/.288/.372 batting line in 856 plate appearances [2][4]. A hamstring injury in 2025 also limited him to just 110 games [3].

Mets’ Financial Implications

With the acquisition of Robert and the recent signing of Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million contract, the Mets have taken on $64 million in average annual value (AAV) commitments for the 2026 season [2][7]. The trade will push the Mets’ payroll to approximately $350 million, resulting in a $42 million cost for Robert this season due to competitive balance tax penalties [2]. The Mets’ competitive balance tax (CBT) number is around $357 million [4].

White Sox Rebuild

For the White Sox, this trade signals a move towards rebuilding [1]. They acquired 23-year-old Luisangel Acuña, who has shown promise in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League, and right-handed pitcher Truman Pauley [2]. Acuña, acquired by the Mets in the 2023 Max Scherzer deal, has a .939 OPS in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League this winter and slashed .373/.450/.765 in the postseason [2]. Pauley, a 22-year-old, was a 12th-round pick by the Mets in the previous year [2]. Following the trade, the White Sox’s projected spending drops to $67 million [4]. They also hold the No. 1 pick in the July draft and are expected to draft UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky [2].

Sources

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