Mets trade for $50 million All-Star gets new update from insider

The New York Mets could be looking for outfield upgrades near the trade deadline. There have been reports about their interest in All-Star Silver Slugger Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox.

On Sunday, May 11, USA Today's Bob Nightengale revealed that the Mets are showing interest in Robert.

"The Chicago White Sox finally are starting to get some inquiries on center fielder Luis Robert with the New York Mets recently among the teams checking in and showing interest," wrote Nightengale. "The White Sox are eying 23-year-old Mets starting prospect Blake Tidwell as part of a package in return."

However, MLB insider Jon Heyman has revealed that their current interest in trading for him could be overblown. He noted that they have checked in on him in the past.

"Regarding recent rumors, there’s nothing hot at the moment with the Mets and Luis Robert," Heyman wrote on X. "They’ve checked on him in the past. CF isn’t a necessity but a potential area of interest down the road."

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Robert signed a six-year, $50 million deal with the White Sox in 2020. He is under club control through 2027 and could be an upgrade for the Mets in the outfield. Tyrone Taylor, the team's primary centerfielder, has a .648 OPS in 34 games. The Mets are still playing well despite that, but they may not want to rely on Taylor in the postseason.

Robert has just a .186 batting average, but is starting to swing the bat well. His 15 stolen bases lead the American League and he is slashing .265/.357/.469 since April 25. At his best, he has 40 home run potential and could be the final piece for the Mets as they look to make it to the World Series. However, right now, it does not seem like there is much traction in getting a deal done. That could change near the trade deadline.

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