The New York Mets are reportedly considering a significant outfield acquisition as superstar Juan Soto struggles through a slump. With Soto’s recent offensive struggles raising concerns, attention has turned toward Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. as a potential trade target before the summer deadline.
Manager Holds Off on Addressing Soto’s Slump Privately
Despite Juan Soto’s difficult stretch, going 7-for-59 in recent games, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has not found the need for a private conversation with the star outfielder. Ahead of the Mets’ 4-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies, Mendoza expressed confidence in Soto’s mindset and approach, highlighting that he treats Soto no differently than his other players. This comment came shortly before Soto ended a hitless streak of 17 at-bats.
“He knows he’s in a good place,”
Mendoza said.
[I] treat him the same way I treat the other guys, too.
—Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager
White Sox’s Luis Robert Jr. Emerges as Potential Mets Addition
Amid Juan Soto’s struggles, the Mets have turned their focus to acquiring Luis Robert Jr., according to Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller. Robert, a 2023 All-Star, is entering the final guaranteed year of his six-year, $50 million contract, with team options through 2027. The Mets see him as a potential upgrade in center field, a position where they currently rely on Jose Siri and Tyrone Taylor.
Though Robert is known for his defensive prowess and speed, leading the league with 21 stolen bases, his offensive numbers have been disappointing this season. At 28 years old, Robert is hitting just .187 with a .578 OPS, far below his career standards, and his strikeout-to-walk ratio has been problematic over the past two years, when he managed only a .212 batting average.
“[C]enter fielders worth anything close to a darn aren’t exactly growing on trees and readily available at the trade deadline,”
Miller wrote. —Kerry Miller, Bleacher Report
Evaluating the Trade Risks and Potential Impact
If acquired, Robert would likely become the Mets’ primary center fielder, a role he has exclusively played since debuting in 2020. However, his offensive decline raises questions about how much he can immediately contribute, especially on a Mets roster aiming to contend this season. Additionally, the White Sox, who are not expected to rebuild imminently, might demand a steep return from the Mets for Robert’s services.
Robert recently demonstrated his skill set against the Mets, going 1-for-5 with a stolen base in a recent game. His performance might have drawn further attention from the Mets front office as they weigh possible roster changes before the trade deadline.
What This Means for the Mets and Juan Soto’s Future
With Juan Soto slowing at the plate, the Mets appear willing to explore significant roster moves to strengthen their outfield. Adding Robert could provide necessary defensive stability and speed, but his offensive struggles highlight the risk involved in pursuing the White Sox outfielder. How the Mets balance their investment in Soto’s recovery against potential new talent acquisitions will be critical as the season unfolds.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Luis Robert Jr. joins Juan Soto at Citi Field or if the Mets opt for a different path to bolster their lineup during this challenging stretch.