A trade many speculated could happen this offseason has finally come to fruition. Late Tuesday night, the New York Mets and Chicago White Sox agreed to a deal. New York is acquiring center fielder Luis Robert Jr., while Chicago receives infielder Luisangel Acuña and right-handed pitching prospect Truman Pauley, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Shortly after the report surfaced, both teams officially announced the trade.
Report: Mets Swing Late Night Trade for Luis Robert Jr.
Mets receive: CF Luis Robert Jr.
White Sox receive: INF Luisangel Acuña, RHP Truman Pauley
Mets Acquire Luis Robert Jr.
New York will take on the entirety of Robert’s contract for the 2026 season ($20 million), per Joel Sherman of the New York Post. Included in the deal is a 2027 club option worth $20 million, or a $2 million buyout. Robert is expected to slot in as the Mets’ everyday center fielder, with Tyrone Taylor likely serving as the backup or potentially moving to left field.
Now 28, Robert is coming off another down season at the plate, slashing .223/.297/.364 with a .661 OPS, 14 home runs, and 53 RBI across 110 games. Injuries have been a recurring issue throughout his six seasons with the White Sox, most recently a season-ending Grade 2 left hamstring strain suffered in August.
Defensively, Robert has consistently graded out as a strong center fielder throughout his career. Based on that, he has been elite, swiping 33 bags last season and leading the American League before the injury cut his year short.
Beyond his defense and speed, the Mets believe Robert can rediscover the offensive production that once made him an All-Star. Back in 2023, he posted a .264/.315/.542 slash line with an .857 OPS, 38 home runs, and 80 RBI over 145 games.
This trade comes just five months after the 2025 deadline, when New York aggressively pursued Robert before talks ultimately stalled. The Mets later pivoted to Cedric Mullins instead.
Acuña & Pauley
Chicago lands Luisangel Acuña, who brings speed and defensive versatility to the organization. Offensively, the 23-year-old struggled this past season, hitting .234/.293/.274 with a .567 OPS, zero home runs, and eight RBI in 95 games. Despite the numbers, the White Sox see upside and long-term potential.
Truman Pauley is the other piece heading to Chicago. The 22-year-old right-hander was selected by the Mets in the 12th round of the 2025 MLB Draft and signed for $397,500.
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