Prior to the season, it was well-known and expected that Chicago White Sox centerfielder Luis Robert Jr. would be one of the most coveted and targeted players at this season’s trade deadline. A bad start to the season for Robert slowed those talks down a bit and not much has been said about his trade market until recently. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale recently reported the New York Mets have checked in on the availability of Robert, signaling the club is not happy with the production it’s getting from its outfielders.
Robert isn’t exactly tearing the cover off the baseball this season, as his average sits well below league average, at just .186 in 129 at-bats. Robert’s struggles are nothing new, as he finished with career worsts in batting average, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, home runs, RBIs and OPS last season.
The only major production the former All Star and Silver Slugger winner is giving the White Sox has been on the base paths. He has an America League best 15 stolen bases, but also a major league worst in times caught stealing with five. The regression from a player that hit .264 with 38 home runs just two seasons ago is an unfortunate thing and has greatly diminished his trade value. Still, the Mets apparently are interested in him and a change of scenery could do him well.
It has been noted that if Robert is traded, Mets right-hander and No. 15 prospect Blade Tidwell will be the focal point of the trade. Tidwell has struggled quite a bit this season at Triple-A, posting a 4.45 ERA across seven starts. It is likely Chicago would be able to get Tidwell and another top 30 prospect in a trade with New York. If pitching help is the theme, Mets No. 18 prospect Nate Dohm and No. 25 prospect Dom Hamel are options.
If Robert is able to take a stride between now and the beginning of June, the Mets could pull the trigger on an early-season trade that would put one of the most talented centerfielders in New York on a first-place team for not only the remainder of this season, but for two more seasons as well.
