The Chicago White Sox have made a move that will likely alter the course of their season, trading away center fielder Luis Robert Jr. to the New York Mets in exchange for infielder Luisangel Acuna and right-hander Truman Pauley.
Robert, 28, was the last piece of a trade puzzle left over from the previous regime, with general manager Chris Getz inheriting him from the previous GM. The outfielder had been in constant rumors of being dealt over the past two seasons and even expressed surprise at not being traded before Opening Day last year.
Despite his incredible 2023 season, which saw him hit 38 home runs with a .857 OPS, Robert's career has been derailed by injuries. In his last two seasons, he has slashed just .223/.288/.372 with 28 homers.
Getz picked up the $20 million option on Robert's contract this offseason and was still getting calls from other teams about trading him. With the Mets willing to take on that salary in exchange for Acuna and Pauley, it appears Getz felt he got a good deal.
Acuna is the younger brother of Ronald Acuna Jr., who won the National League MVP award last season. The 23-year-old infielder was playing in the Venezuelan Winter League when he was sent to Chicago.
Pauley, 22, was drafted by the Mets in the 12th round of the 2025 draft and is expected to make his major league debut this season.
Robert's departure leaves a significant void in the White Sox outfield, which will need to be filled quickly. The team signed several free agents over the offseason but may now have to rely on younger players to step up.
Robert, 28, was the last piece of a trade puzzle left over from the previous regime, with general manager Chris Getz inheriting him from the previous GM. The outfielder had been in constant rumors of being dealt over the past two seasons and even expressed surprise at not being traded before Opening Day last year.
Despite his incredible 2023 season, which saw him hit 38 home runs with a .857 OPS, Robert's career has been derailed by injuries. In his last two seasons, he has slashed just .223/.288/.372 with 28 homers.
Getz picked up the $20 million option on Robert's contract this offseason and was still getting calls from other teams about trading him. With the Mets willing to take on that salary in exchange for Acuna and Pauley, it appears Getz felt he got a good deal.
Acuna is the younger brother of Ronald Acuna Jr., who won the National League MVP award last season. The 23-year-old infielder was playing in the Venezuelan Winter League when he was sent to Chicago.
Pauley, 22, was drafted by the Mets in the 12th round of the 2025 draft and is expected to make his major league debut this season.
Robert's departure leaves a significant void in the White Sox outfield, which will need to be filled quickly. The team signed several free agents over the offseason but may now have to rely on younger players to step up.