Mets, Reds competing to trade for $20 million Cuban star from White Sox

The New York Mets and Cincinnati Reds have already been in a recent battle.

At the end of the 2025 MLB season, it was those two teams competing for the final wild card spot in the National League. In the end, the Reds overcame the Mets after a big collapse by New York.

Now, they're competing in the offseason, too.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports that the Chicago White Sox are seeking to trade Luis Robert Jr., and that the Mets and Reds are the two teams leading the charge to acquire him.

Robert is a five-tool Cuban centerfielder who has been a bit less consistent the past two seasons than the White Sox would like.

He still has the potential to be a big addition for any contending club.

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The Mets spent the whole 2025 season being linked to Robert, and to centerfield help in general. They ended up getting Cedric Mullins at the trade deadline, and he has since signed with Tampa Bay in free agency.

The Reds could just use another big bat in their lineup. The pitching staff is Cincy's strong suit, and Robert would bolster the hitting group.

Robert is under contract for $20 million this season and has a $20 million club option for the 2027 season, too.

That's solid value for a starting centerfielder with upside. Expect the trade cost here to be significant to get this deal done.

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