White Sox Trade Luis Robert Jr. to New York Mets
As the MLB prepares for the upcoming 2026 season, significant roster changes are taking place. A notable move occurred when the Chicago White Sox traded center fielder Luis Robert Jr. to the New York Mets. This news broke just before midnight on the East Coast, reported by Jeff Passan.
Details of the Luis Robert Jr. Trade
In this trade, the Mets are sending two players to the White Sox: right-handed pitching prospect Truman Pauley and infielder Luisangel Acuña. Additionally, New York will cover the remaining $20 million of Robert’s contract for 2026 and 2027, along with a $2 million buyout option.
Who is Luisangel Acuña?
At 23, Acuña is the highlight of this trade. He is the younger brother of Ronald Acuña Jr., the Atlanta Braves’ All-Star outfielder and 2023 MVP. Acuña has demonstrated impressive skills, showcasing explosive hitting with a .282/.351/.400 batting line throughout his minor league career.
- Selected as a Dominican Summer League All-Star in 2019.
- Made his MLB debut with the Mets in 2024, playing 14 games.
- Posted a strong OPS of .966 in his initial 39 at-bats.
- Experienced a downturn in performance in 2025, recording a .567 OPS over 95 games.
Despite this setback, Acuña has shown potential and is currently excelling in the Venezuelan Winter League.
Truman Pauley’s Background
Truman Pauley is a 22-year-old right-handed pitcher. He was drafted in the 12th round by the Mets following two years at Harvard University. Pauley’s collegiate statistics included:
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Cumulative ERA | 5.20 |
| Strikeouts | 91 |
| Walk Rate | 15.2% |
Pauley will need to improve his control, as evidenced by 18 wild pitches and 16 hit batters last season. In a brief stint with the St. Lucie Mets, he achieved a 2.08 ERA, striking out three while walking four in 4 1/3 innings.
The Impact of Trading Luis Robert Jr.
Luis Robert Jr. has been a significant player for the White Sox in his six years with the team. He was the final remaining member of a failed core that had been constructed for a championship run in the 2020s. Despite his injury history, Robert showcased remarkable talent, including:
- 36 home runs and 20 stolen bases in the 2023 season, earning a 5.3 bWAR.
- A .997 fielding percentage in 2025, with only one error.
However, his performance declined recently, culminating in a low .661 OPS in 2025. The Mets are acquiring Robert in hopes that a new environment will reignite his career.
The trade marks the end of an era for the White Sox as they transition to a younger squad. Fans will undoubtedly miss Robert’s contributions on the field. However, this pivotal move signifies a new direction for the franchise, highlighting the importance of building for the future.
