Chicago White Sox trade Luis Robert Jr to New York Mets

In exchange, Mets sent infielder Luisangel Acuna and minor league right-hander Truman Pauley to White Sox.

Robert, an All-Star in 2023, has battled injuries and uneven production since his breakout season.

The Mets had been actively searching for outfield help after dealing Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers in a trade that brought second baseman Marcus Semien to New York.

They were also linked to Kyle Tucker earlier in the offseason before he ultimately signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The trade came shortly after the Mets finalized a three-year, $126 million contract with two-time All-Star shortstop Bo Bichette, who is expected to shift to third base.

Robert endured a down year in 2025, posting career lows with a .223 batting average while recording 14 home runs and 53 RBIs in 110 games. He did, however, set a personal best with 33 stolen bases.

Despite the struggles, Chicago exercised his $20 million club option for 2026. The outfielder also has a $20 million team option for 2027, which includes a $2 million buyout.

New York is aiming to return to the postseason after finishing 83-79 last season.

While the Mets lost fan favorites Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz in free agency, they bolstered their bullpen by signing closer Devin Williams and reliever Luke Weaver, along with infielder Jorge Polanco.

Acuña, 23, appeared in 95 games for the Mets last year, batting .234 with eight RBIs and 16 stolen bases.

A versatile defender capable of playing second base, third base and shortstop, Acuña originally joined New York in July 2023 as part of the trade that sent Max Scherzer to the Rangers.

With his arrival in Chicago, Acuña becomes part of a growing core of young position players that includes Colson Montgomery, Kyle Teel and Chase Meidroth.

The White Sox finished last in the AL Central last season at 60-102, though that marked a 19-game improvement from the year prior.

Pauley, 22, was selected in the 12th round of the 2025 amateur draft out of Harvard.

He made three starts at Class A St. Lucie last season, posting a 2.08 ERA without recording a decision.

Robert, who turns 29 in August, debuted with the White Sox in 2020 and immediately made an impact, winning a Gold Glove and finishing second to Kyle Lewis in AL Rookie of the Year voting.

His best season came in 2023, when he earned All-Star honors after hitting .264 with 38 home runs, 80 RBIs and 20 steals across 145 games.

Last season began slowly for Robert, as he hit just .190 with nine home runs, 35 RBIs and 93 strikeouts over his first 79 games.

Though he was rumored to be available ahead of the trade deadline, Chicago chose to hold onto him.

Following the All-Star break, Robert rebounded significantly, batting .298 with five home runs and 18 RBIs in 31 games.

His season came to an end on Aug. 27, when he was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain.

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