Age: 28 (8/3/97) Position: CF Bats/Throws: R/R
2026 Stats: .211/.306/.337/.642, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 11 R, 3 2B, 2 SB, 2 CS, 22 SO, 13 BB, 108 PA, 27 G
2026 Advanced Stats: 0.0 fWAR, 79 OPS+, 84 wRC+, 20.4 K%, 12.0 BB%, .243 BABIP, .322 xwOBA
Contract: 2027 team option for $20 million, can be bought out for $2 million
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Rundown
The Mets dealt Luisangel Acuña and minor league pitcher Truman Pauley to the White Sox in January to make Robert the everyday center fielder, hoping he could live up to his two-way player potential.
In six years in Chicago, Robert won a Gold Glove (2020) and a Silver Slugger (2023, 38 homers), but missed a lot of time with injuries. While his defense was steady, his bat was not; he hit .223/.297/.364 with 14 homers last season in 110 games.
Robert made an excellent first impression at Citi Field, with two RBI singles in an Opening Day win over the Pirates and a three-run walk-off homer in the 11th inning of the second game of the season. He cooled off after the hot start and then felt pain in his back in late April that led to a trip to the injured list with lumbar spine disc herniation.
He started a minor league rehab assignment on June 30 and returned on July 20, going 1-for-10 with a home run in a three-game series against the Brewers.
In Robert’s absence, A.J. Ewing emerged and looks like the center fielder of the future, but the Mets could play the rookie at second base a few games and/or slide Juan Soto over to designated hitter to find Robert at-bats for a few weeks. Robert could DH as well.
The Aug. 3 trade deadline is Robert’s birthday. Happy birthday, pack your bags?
Potential Landing Spots
1. Guardians – They are tied for the 28th-most runs scored (417) and are tied for 29th in OPS (.687). (The Mets are 26th in runs and tied for 29th in OPS.) Outfielder Angel Martínez is due to return from a fractured left foot soon, but Robert might be a better choice anyway.
2. Phillies – Outfielder Adolis García is out for the season with an injury and the replacement options are underwhelming. It would be a surprise to make a deal with a division rival, but there is a match of needs here. It helps that Robert hits right-handed to balance the Philly lineup.
3. Astros – Brice Matthews has made 44 outfield starts, including 30 in center. His slash line: .197/.250/.332.
