The Mets will have to trade for potential $20 million centerfield upgrade

This past deadline the New York Mets displayed serious interest in acquiring centerfielder Luis Robert Jr. as they explored numerous avenues in the centerfield market.

Steven Kwan was a player who they considered as well, believing his left field defense could translate from left field to centerfield, but they ultimately settled on one-year rental Cedric Mullins.

It was a decision that may have cost New York their playoff spot, but at the time Mullins had outperformed Robert on the offensive side by a considerable margin.

After opening the season with a .182 AVG and five home runs through the end of May, Robert would hit .262 with nine home runs until suffering a season-ending injury in late-August.

This has prompted the White Sox to pick up his $20 million option for 2026, which means if Robert will change teams this winter, it will have to be done through the trade market.

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Why a Luis Robert Jr. Trade Could Still Make Sense for the Mets

While Luis Robert’s OPS increase by just four points in 2025, there were massive improvements under-the-hood that should provide excitement for his 2026 season.

He cut his strikeout rate by over 6% and improved his walk rate to a career-high 9.3% as a result of improved contact rates and a lowered Chase%.

The Mets would be buying low on a player who had a .761 Expected OPS in 2025, and if he has better luck while maintaining the same process, he could be a firmly above-average hitter.

At the very least, Robert provides offense against left-handed pitching which could prove valuable, and as an elite defensive centerfielder he provides a stark upgrade over Cedric Mullins and Tyrone Taylor.

The Mets’ interest in Luis Robert Jr. shouldn’t have wavered after the trade deadline, as they wouldn’t owe him a guaranteed contract for 2027 but could pick up the $20 million option if he performs well.

His speed, defense, and power makes him a perfect fit for a Mets’ roster that needs all three of those things on the position player upside, and the upside here is tantalizing.

It doesn’t take much to imagine a version of Robert who hits 25 home runs, has a 115 OPS+, and steals 30 bases with elite defense in centerfield, and that kind of player is a star who could make the Mets a World Series favorite.