Mets' trade pursuit of Luis Robert Jr. has taken a twist

It feels like the New York Mets have been linked to Luis Robert Jr. for almost the entire season.

The Mets need a centerfielder. Robert is a talented one. And the Chicago White Sox are rebuilding and probably have no short-term use for Robert.

But for most of the season, Robert was struggling. It wasn't clear he could come in and be a major upgrade if he kept scuffling at the plate.

Lately, that has changed. Robert looks like a guy everyone should want, including the Mets.

"White Sox center fielder Luis Robert's trade value finally is starting to show signs of life," writes USA Today's Bob Nightengale. "He is hitting .345 with three homers, seven RBIs, eight runs and a 1.131 OPS in the last 10 games."

MORE: Former Yankees, Astros slugger reaches 500 career home runs far from home

That could raise Robert's price, but that shouldn't keep the Mets from going after him.

New York has had a need in centerfield all season. Now in a two-team NL East race with the Phillies, the Mets can't afford to take the foot off the gas now.

The White Sox are probably pleased that Robert has heated up, though, because now they can raise their trade ask.

MORE MLB NEWS:

• Trevor Bauer has the worst ERA in Japan's NPB
• It's impossible to stop watching Ronald Acuna Jr.'s throw
• Deion Sanders, Bo Jackson once had the most legendary clash at Yankee Stadium
• Cal Raleigh, aka Big Dumper, signs the perfect endorsement deal
• Aaron Judge reveals how long he plans to play in MLB
• Quinn Priester did the unthinkable against the Dodgers