The Mets face stiff competition for their prized trade targets
The New York Mets recently addressed a clear gap in their lineup by signing free agent Jorge Polanco to a two-year, $40 million contract. Polanco, coming off the best season of his career with the Seattle Mariners, offers versatility across the infield but is mainly expected to step into Pete Alonso’s shoes at first base.
Even with a potential pursuit of Alex Bregman still on the table, the combination of Polanco’s signing and a trade for Marcus Semien suggests the club may be winding down on additional infield acquisitions. This paves the way for the team to concentrate on strengthening the pitching staff and upgrading the outfield.
Read more: Edwin Diaz’s reason for joining the Dodgers felt like a parting shot at the Mets.
Trading Brandon Nimmo opened up left and center field vacancies for the Mets, making a bold push for elite free-agent outfielders like Cody Bellinger or Kyle Tucker a real possibility. At the same time, the Mets could pursue upgrading the other outfield spot through a trade.
According to a December 11 report from Jon Heyman of the New York Post, New York has explored a deal with the Chicago White Sox for Luis Robert Jr., and would likely require the White Sox to add salary relief to balance Robert Jr.’s $20 million figure.
Mets Among Several Teams Targeting Luis Robert Jr.
Robert Jr. endured a down 2025, hitting .223 with a .661 OPS and 14 homers, plus a protracted injury history. Yet his youth and a strong .857 OPS in 2023 keep him attractive to contenders.
The Mets aren’t alone in their interest. Francys Romero’s December 13 X post noted that several clubs, including the Mets, Padres, and Pirates, have shown interest in Robert Jr. and that the White Sox are weighing multiple scenarios. Industry sources suggest Robert Jr. could be traded this offseason.
The Padres aren’t shocking in this chase, given their aggressive approach, which has already put them in trade talks with the Mets. The Pirates add intrigue as a small-market club that has faced recent struggles.
All of this means the Mets may need to part with more assets than they’d prefer to land Robert Jr. and complete their envisioned outfield upgrade next season.
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