Mets predicted to bring polarizing $15 million outfielder to New York

The New York Mets could use some help in center field. How big a risk are they willing to take in going after it?

Tyrone Taylor is a useful fourth outfielder on a contending team, but he shouldn't be an everyday starter. And with no real news on Jose Siri's return timetable, the Mets could be active on the trade market.

The biggest name among center fielders who should be available also happens to be one of the most inconsistent players at any position.

Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. has been mired in a two-year slump. Once an All-Star and one of the hottest names on the trade rumor mill, the hype has almost entirely died down as he heads toward likely free agency this winter.

However, Jomboy Media's Jake Storiale believes there's still hope for Robert to succeed if he gets traded. And on a recent episode of the "Talkin' Baseball" podcast, Storiale predicted that the Mets would be the team to acquire Robert within the next two weeks.

"They've got deep pockets. So you can take a chance financially and hope something clicks," Storiale said. "Can Luis Robert get traded? He has to. And if you're the Mets, I don't want to compare it to (Javier) Báez, but Javy went to the Mets and kicked into gear for a couple months.

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"Take a chance. And if it clicks, it's one of the coolest things ever, and it's the outfielder you guys have been looking for, and the lineup's crazy. If it doesn't, alright, you tried. How many good White Sox are there this year that had to escape Chicago?"

There's no way to sugarcoat Robert's stats, except for the fact that he's been stealing bases and playing good defense. A .190/.275/.325 line from a 27-year-old with a Silver Slugger to his name is shocking to see.

Robert is making $15 million this year with $20 million club options for 2026 and 2027. It seems crazy to think about touching those options right now, but if he gets hot for a new team in the second half, it might become a consideration.

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