MLB Rumors: Mets & White Sox Talking Trade
The Mets have inquired about Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. availability, but they want Chicago to kick in money to help cover his $20 million salary, which could be the sticking point that stalls talks.
Mets checking Luis Robert Jr as a trade pivot
Robert still fits what New York needs on paper. He’s not far removed from looking like a franchise centerpiece, and the Mets badly need to replace the middle-of-the-order punch they just watched walk out the door to the Baltimore Orioles.
From @JonHeyman,
— Michael Marino (@MarinoMLB) December 12, 2025
“The Mets inquired about Luis Robert. But for the Mets to surrender prospects, they want money back to offset Robert’s $20M salary and hard-line White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf isn’t seen as likely to give money to Steve Cohen’s team.” pic.twitter.com/pBF5GzQ1kJ
The issue is the risk. Robert’s recent seasons have come with missed time, swing-and-miss concerns, and a batting average that has cratered.
Since his All-Star 2023 season, Robert has posted a .223/.288/.372 triple slash line, with 28 home runs, 88 RBIs, 56 stolen bases, and 99 runs scored across 210 games.
White Sox salary stance is the obstacle for a deal
That’s why the Mets want financial relief if prospects are going the other way. The White Sox can reasonably argue Robert still has bounce-back value because of the power, speed, and defense, plus the control remaining on his deal.
Luis Robert Jr.
— Mike Petriello (@mike_petriello) December 12, 2025
First half: .599 OPS, 30.4 K%
Sec half: .808 OPS, 15.2 K%
I'm not uninterested
But from New York’s side, paying top dollar in both money and talent for a player coming off injury-marred, uneven production is a tough sell, especially if Chicago refuses to retain any salary.
If neither side blinks, the Mets may have to keep working the trade market or pivot to other outfield options.
Photo Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
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