When the Chicago White Sox they exercised an option for 20 million dollars on Luis Robert Jr. Many thought that the Avilanian would end up playing in the Windy City until the end of the contract.
That possibility vanished this Tuesday, when the management of the New York Mets gave the green light to a trade to acquire the Avilanian, whose tools are coveted by many teams on the circuit.
Welcome to New York, Luis Robert Jr.! pic.twitter.com/O0bgHzUmHH
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) January 21, 2026
According to a report from the site mlb.comthe Big Apple franchise delivered right-handed pitcher Truman Pauley and Venezuelan position player Luisángel Acuña, one of its most coveted prospects.
The media assures that Luis Robert has focused the interest of the Mets since the change period for the 2024 season, but only now has he ended up leaning toward that option as a way to solidify his central structure.
The Cuban, now 28 years old, had his best version so far in 2023, which led him to be chosen for the All-Star Game. He then posted an offensive line of .264/.315/.542, accompanied by 38 home runs, 36 doubles, 20 stolen bases, 90 runs scored and 80 RBIs.
Major Leagues: Yandy Díaz and Luis Robert, Jr. win the 2023 Silver Bat
However, during the following two seasons he has fallen short of those benefits, although the interest he aroused in several teams since his arrival in the Major League in 2017, led by the White Sox, continues.
The Chicago franchise has another option remaining on Luis Robert’s contract, who, if finalized, would become a free agent in 2027.
That detail gives the Mets room to evaluate what the island-born could contribute to their lineup, and from there make a future decision about the bond that is just beginning.
The key to this relationship lies in the outfielder’s ability to stay healthy, since in recent years he has not stopped falling prey to injuries.
During last season, the discomfort led him to play only 110 games on the calendar, which for him ended at the end of August.
However, during that period he provided his usual defensive guarantee in the center field and set a personal record of 33 stolen bases, bringing his total to 102, according to official statistics.
At the end of six seasons of relationship with the White Sox, Luis Robert leaves a total of 102 home runs, which places him in 23rd place in that department in the history of the team.
Since his arrival to the South Chicago franchise in July 2020, the man from Avila has participated in 577 games, in which he accumulated an offensive average of .259.
His overall score also includes 565 hits, 318 runs scored and 298 RBIs, figures that support the Mets’ commitment to the contribution that one of the best Cuban players of his generation can provide them.
