Building on the Chicago White Sox's recent signing of Munetaka Murakami—which secured power for their rebuild—the team is advancing discussions with the New York Mets and Cincinnati Reds to trade center fielder Luis Robert Jr. for pitching depth, reports USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
Bob Nightengale reported on X that the White Sox "still would like to move CF Luis Robert for pitching depth and are engaged in talks with the New York Mets and Cincinnati Reds."
The Mets, after trading Brandon Nimmo this offseason and briefly acquiring Cedric Mullins (who later signed with Tampa Bay), need outfield help. Their current projection features rookie Carson Benge, Jeff McNeil, and Tyrone Taylor. Robert's Gold Glove defense, speed, and power align with David Stearns' strategy for controllable talent; he is owed $20 million in 2026 with a $20 million club option for 2027 ($2 million buyout).
The Reds, who clinched the final NL wild card over the Mets in 2025, view Robert as a lineup boost. With pitching surplus, they could offer Brady Singer or prospects like Brandon Williamson, Julian Aguiar, Chase Petty, Cam Collier, or Edwin Arroyo.
The 28-year-old Cuban five-tool star won Gold Glove honors in 2020 and posted a .264/.315/.542 line with 38 HR, 20 SB, and 129 wRC+ in 2023. Recent struggles (.223/.288/.372, 28 HR, 56 SB, 84-85 OPS+ over two years) stem from strikeouts and a weak White Sox lineup, but his elite tools remain attractive for contenders.