LUIS ROBERT JR. JOINS JUAN SOTO AND BO BICHETTE: CAN HE RETURN TO HIS ALL-STAR FORM IN 2026?

When the New York Mets made a blockbuster move to acquire Luis Robert Jr., joining the likes of Juan Soto and Bo Bichette at Citi Field, it left fans cautiously optimistic. The Mets, aiming to solidify their lineup for the upcoming season, are hoping Robert Jr. can rediscover the form that made him an All-Star, a Silver Slugger, and a 12th-place MVP finisher just two years ago. However, the last two seasons for the 25-year-old outfielder have been less than ideal, with a batting average of .224 and an OBP under .300 in both campaigns.

Despite his struggles, Robert Jr. has the potential to get back to his All-Star form, and his new environment in New York may be the key to unlocking that potential. In the eyes of Scott Boras, Robert Jr.’s agent, there is plenty of reason for optimism in 2026. According to Boras, playing alongside Juan Soto in the Mets’ lineup could be just what Robert Jr. needs to regain his superstar level of play.

The Power of Playing with a Superstar: What Soto Brings to the Table

Boras believes that Soto’s presence in the Mets’ clubhouse could have a profound impact on Robert Jr.’s game. “Juan Soto didn’t walk his first hundred at-bats in professional ball,” Boras said. “He adopted that to the extreme. And now he gets to share that day-to-day with Luis Robert. It’s relaxing, it’s comforting, because now Luis Robert gets to be around a true superstar.”

Boras points to Soto’s ability to consistently succeed at the plate, particularly with his exceptional plate discipline and keen eye for the strike zone, as qualities that Robert Jr. can learn from. By spending time with Soto, Robert Jr. has the opportunity to learn from one of the game’s best hitters. Soto, a player who has already mastered what it takes to perform at the highest level, could serve as a mentor for Robert Jr., helping him regain his confidence and focus on the small details of his game.

Boras also notes that Robert Jr. didn’t have this kind of guidance and mentorship in his time with the Chicago White Sox. While Robert Jr. did play with José Abreu, who was named AL MVP in 2020, the White Sox were a struggling team during Robert Jr.’s time there. Moving to a contender like the Mets, where the team has championship aspirations, offers Robert Jr. a new opportunity to grow both on and off the field.

“He gets to be around somebody that he can go to daily, and he gets to share, and he walks out of the ballpark, even after a bad day, with comfort and direction, so that he’s excited about coming to the ballpark the next day,” Boras added. “Because he has two things he didn’t have in Chicago. He’s got the presence of a superstar to rely on, and he has a chance to win every day.”

Robert Jr.’s Opportunity in New York: A Fresh Start

For Robert Jr., transitioning from being the guy on a losing team to becoming part of a star-studded Mets lineup presents an exciting opportunity. In Chicago, he was often the focal point of the offense, but now, in New York, he will be able to blend into a lineup filled with superstars like Soto, Bichette, and Pete Alonso. This shift in role could allow Robert Jr. to relax and focus on his strengths, knowing he doesn’t need to carry the team on his own.

At 28 years old, 2026 could be the year where Robert Jr. finally breaks out and reaches his potential. With his tremendous power and speed, combined with the added benefit of playing alongside one of the best hitters in baseball, Robert Jr. could once again become a key contributor in the Mets’ push for the postseason.

Offseason Work and Preparations for 2026

Boras also revealed that Robert Jr. and Soto worked together during the offseason at one of Boras Sport Performance Camps, further strengthening their bond and giving Robert Jr. even more access to Soto’s knowledge. This direct mentoring will be invaluable as Robert Jr. enters his 28th season. The offseason training could prove to be the difference-maker for him, helping him refine his swing, improve his plate discipline, and ultimately perform at a much higher level in 2026.

A Glimpse of the Future: What to Expect from Robert Jr. in 2026

Despite his struggles over the last two seasons, Robert Jr. remains one of the most talented young players in baseball. He has already proven he can be an All-Star and a Silver Slugger, and with the right mentorship and environment, he could regain that form. The Mets are certainly hoping that Robert Jr. can tap into his full potential and contribute to what is shaping up to be an explosive lineup in 2026.

The addition of Luis Robert Jr. to the Mets’ roster is a low-risk, high-reward move that could pay significant dividends for the team. If he can rediscover his All-Star form, he would give the Mets another dangerous bat to add to a potent offensive core. His time with Soto should provide the guidance and support he needs to flourish in New York.

For Mets fans, the optimism surrounding Robert Jr.’s potential is growing, and many are excited to see how he will perform in the 2026 season. With a renewed focus and a superstar mentor in Soto, this could very well be the year that Robert Jr. returns to the form that made him one of the most promising young players in the game. As the season unfolds, the Mets will be watching closely to see if their acquisition of Robert Jr. can lead them to even greater success.