Another NY Mets move that feels as inevitable as Framber Valdez or Ranger Suarez

Buster Olney called the idea of the New York Mets signing Framber Valdez or Ranger Suarez inevitable. Is there another inevitability for the Mets this offseason?

We’d love to believe Cody Bellinger or Kyle Tucker ends up in left field. What’s more inevitable? It would have to be a trade for Luis Robert Jr.

The Mets haven’t added anything to their outfield and regardless of what they could do, there isn’t a better center field match for them than Robert. The Chicago White Sox are spinning their wheels trying, waiting for teams to give into their high demands. Even with Carson Benge fighting for a roster spot as soon as spring training, it would behoove the Mets to add a true center fielder. Who better than the guy whose name has been coming up in trade conversations since last summer?

The Mets and White Sox need to make a trade for Luis Robert Jr. happen

Competition for Robert still exists. Teams like the Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies have already added to their outfield. The San Diego Padres have timidly sat back while making more minor additions and if payroll is a concern, Robert just doesn’t seem to match their 2026 plans.

White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf’s dislike of Steve Cohen is only a minor reason as to why the trade could never come to fruition. As noted previously, one of the major hold-ups in all trade discussions has been the White Sox want teams (probably especially the Mets) to pay as much of the $20 million owed to Robert. The Mets’ reluctance is certainly one of the reasons as to why no deal has taken place just yet.

Free agency only features Harrison Bader as a true center fielder teams should have circled. Would he really come back to the Mets after getting relegated to the bench at the end of 2024? If the Mets are looking for short-term solutions, Robert for a year (or maybe two if they pick up his option) seems to fit the greatest.

What’s more, it’s more sensible with Benge becoming the left fielder rather than center fielder for the bulk of the 2026 season. He has played center field in his minor league career more than anywhere else, but his ultimate destiny seems to have him covering a corner spot. Robert is a run prevention guy at his absolute worst and a contributing member of the lineup hitting in the middle of the order at his best.

The Mets have turned over the roster in major ways this offseason with the most significant differences being the addition of Marcus Semien at second base, the change from Edwin Diaz to Devin Williams at closer, and the unanswered questions at two outfield spots plus first base or DH depending on what you actually believe happens with Jorge Polanco.

The Mets aren’t short on prospects at all levels with guys in the lower minor leagues they could trade as well as ones already with major league experience. A good match for a trade, a lack of other teams who could still be willing to make a deal with the White Sox should have us feeling like this is the most inevitable Mets move of all, after signing one of the top lefty free agent pitchers of course.