Luis Robert Jr.’s biggest flaw is also why the NY Mets will consider a reunion

The New York Mets are trying to make lemonade out of the lemon they were handed. No takers for Luis Robert Jr. at the trade deadline meant forcing him into the lineup regularly in the following weeks. Instead of just keeping him around out of pure spite for the rest of the league, they’re discovering if maybe a corner outfield spot on an irregular basis for him next year makes sense.

Robert got his first start in left field for the Mets on Sunday. Pitched as a way to discover whether or not he’s a match to return next year, we should actually hope it works.

Nobody should rightfully believe there’s any reason to pick up Robert’s $20 million option for 2027. What the Mets can do is buy him out for $2 million and re-sign him at a far more reasonable rate. 

Why would they do that after the kind of year he has had? A look at their projected outfielder starters for next season and we can see the importance of having insurance.

Luis Robert Jr. is an injury prone insurance policy for a Mets outfield that looks like it could run into some IL stints

The fact that the Mets don’t want to simply be tempted by Robert to man some center field tells us a few things. One is about how much they may prefer A.J. Ewing at the position if for no other reason than he is their long-term planned player there. Give him as many reps as possible. Secondly, they might not have the utmost faith Juan Soto plays there often enough either. He could probably use more days as the DH.

The style of play we’ve seen out of Ewing and Carson Benge, accurately described as psychopathic, seems bound to create a greater risk for injury. Outfield depth is something the Mets can ill-afford to punt on. This includes defense and offense. Robert might not be the best solution for them, Tyrone Taylor reaching free agency again. But having the inside scoop on him is to their benefit. They’ll be the first to know what works and what doesn’t.

Although Ewing (.711 OPS) and Benge (.750 OPS) have done well as lefties hitting against lefties, a sudden sophomore slump out of either in those at-bats isn’t off the table. What’s more, having added right-handed depth you might be able to trust against the particularly tough southpaws is necessary. Robert hasn’t handled himself superbly against them this year, owning a .742 OPS.

Robert didn’t touch the ball on any defensive play in his first game in left field. Not even a ground ball squeaked through the left side of the infield to get to him. What’ll be interesting to see is if the Mets deploy him in right field at all, too. If it’s only one position, it might say a lot more about a Soto plan for next year. Even just a single start in right field tells us they’re dead serious about having him as their fourth outfielder.

Nick Morabito will be a contender for a backup outfielder spot not much dissimilar from what the Mets would ideally plan for Robert. However, as a far less proven player in every regard, spending a few million on Robert to already have limited action ergo maybe stay healthy for a change makes sense.

The Mets just can’t plan to have him be the guy at any outfield spot. And with him, there needs additional depth. Fortunately, someone like Jared Young can play the corner outfield. With that in mind, the Mets need appropriate first base depth as well. Something tells me they’re going to let Brett Baty and/or Mark Vientos linger around.

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