After trading for Luis Robert Jr., who should the New York Mets go after next?
Mets Trade For Luis Robert Jr.
The Mets added an outfielder late Tuesday night.
As reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Mets acquired Robert from the Chicago White Sox for infielder Luisangel Acuña and right-hander Truman Pauley.
BREAKING: The New York Mets in agreement on a trade to acquire center fielder Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox, sources tell ESPN. White Sox will receive two young players from the Mets.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 21, 2026
After the Cedric Mullins Experiment failed, the Mets pivoted to Robert, a former All-Star and Gold Glove-winning center fielder.
Robert’s breakout season came in 2023, when he hit a career-high 38 home runs. To put that into perspective, Robert has failed to eclipse 15 home runs during his five other seasons in the MLB.
While the power numbers have been inconsistent, Robert is a weapon on the basepaths. Robert stole 33 bases last season, up 10 from the previous season.
Injuries hampered Robert’s 2024 and 2025 seasons. The 28-year-old finished his 2025 campaign hitting .223 with 14 home runs and 53 RBI. Strikeouts are also an issue, having exceeded 111 Ks in each of the past three seasons.
If Robert can return to even three-quarters of his production from 2023, the trade will be worth it. Robert is owed $20 million this season and has a $20 million club option with a $2 million buyout in 2027.
As for the two players leaving Queens, Acuña is the better of the two. Acuña, the younger brother of Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr., is hitting .248/.299/.341 with three home runs in 233 plate appearances.
Pauley was a 12th-round pick out of Harvard in the 2025 MLB Draft. The 22-year-old pitched in Low-A last year.
Though Acuna has offered limited power in 233 big league plate appearances, hitting .248/.299/.341 with three home runs, he has thrived in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League this winter with a .939 OPS. Acuna has been even better in the postseason, slashing .373/.450/.765 and posting the first four-home run game in the league’s 80-year history.
For the Mets, Now What?
After missing out on Kyle Tucker, the New York Mets looked like a team without a plan.
In the span of a week, to a three-year, $126 million contract and traded for Robert. Bichette will play third base next to Francisco Lindor.
With the lineup nearly solidified, the Mets are turning their attention toward pitching.
Mets general manager David Stearns has been open about his desire to acquire a starting pitcher.
The Mets have been in contact with the Brewers about Freddy Peralta, who will be a free agent after the 2026 season. Peralta is coming off a stellar year, where he went 17-6 and posted a 2.70 ERA with 204 strikeouts.
In free agency, the best pitcher remaining is Framber Valdez, who is likely searching for a three-to-four-year deal worth around $100 million.
The Mets’ starting pitching staff includes Clay Holmes, Sean Manaea, Nolan McLean, David Peterson, and Kodai Senga. The team has three young starters who should see time, but they desperately need an ace.