The New York Mets are pushing hard for a center field upgrade with the trade deadline just four days away.
They’ve kept steady interest in two names: Cedric Mullins from Baltimore and Luis Robert Jr. from the White Sox. Neither guy’s having a banner year, but sometimes a fresh start is exactly what a player needs.
Robert’s been floating around in trade talks for months now. The White Sox held onto him, hoping he’d rebuild his value this season.
That strategy might actually be working.
Sure, Robert had a brutal start to 2024, but he’s been completely different in July. The former All-Star is slashing .351/.442/.541 this month, looking more like the player who made waves a couple seasons back.
ESPN’s Jesse Rogers reported that Chicago’s been waiting for better prospect offers before pulling the trigger on any deal.
“The New York Mets are keeping an eye on centerfielders Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles and Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox. Robert returned to the lineup on Sunday as the designated hitter after missing the previous two games due to groin tightness. Before getting hurt, he was easily having the best month of any over the past two seasons, hitting .351 with a .442 OBP in July. The White Sox have been waiting for an increase in prospect capital to move forward on a deal.
“It’s possible they finally get it this week, but they could always pick up the option in his contract this offseason, and do this all over again next year. Robert’s production this month has teams intrigued.”
What makes this interesting is the Mets’ position right now. They’re holding a half-game lead over Philadelphia in the NL East, and adding a legitimate center fielder could be the difference between a wild card exit and a deep October run.
Robert’s recent hot streak gives both teams something to work with. The White Sox can point to his July numbers and ask for more prospects, while the Mets can see what he looks like when he’s locked in.
The timing couldn’t be better for everyone involved.
