The only Luis Robert Jr. trade package that makes sense for the NY Mets

Luis Robert Jr. has been diagnosed with Grade 2 Stockholm Syndrome. The Chicago White Sox are holding him hostage. New York Mets trade rumors haven’t been as significant this offseason as they were at the trade deadline when he was one of the most coveted players who never changed teams.

Plenty of ball clubs, both ones we expect to compete for a championship and the pretenders who are fooling themselves, are seeking out his services. The White Sox will have to pay a part of his $20 million salary in most instances. It’s one of the reasons why the Mets and White Sox haven’t been able to see eye-to-eye on a trade.

Let’s say they do figure it out. The Mets grab a fork, eat more money, and the players are agreed upon. What could make sense?

The only Luis Robert Jr. trade package that makes sense for the Mets

The White Sox are kidding themselves if they think they’ll get a haul for Robert, a fascinating player who has been held back by injuries. He can still run and field. His bat is the biggest question along with the injury risk. This Mets trade package can help them out a bit, giving them an immediate big leaguer for the middle of their order and a potential Robert replacement.

The White Sox have plenty of room for Mark Vientos on their roster. First base and DH weren’t a strength of theirs (but what was?) last season. There is ample room for him to play either spot. Give him the everyday opportunities he will no longer have with the Mets.

In addition to him, they get a speedy prospect who doesn’t really fit too well with the Mets. They have better center field prospects. Nick Morabitio. A high-contact, high stolen base, and maybe even a .300+ hitter when fully formed, is very different from Robert who has shown power capabilities. They can split the difference with the bare minimum Vientos brings to the team.

It would be foolish for the Mets to give up much else for Robert even if it means not getting him at all. Adding Robert isn’t without its own issues. Bring him in and it does little to fill the left field vacancy created by the trade of Brandon Nimmo. Would the Mets be fortunate enough to have Robert and a player such as Cody Bellinger? There’s still first base to address, too.

If there’s another player the Mets could easily add, it would have to be Luisangel Acuna. He can serve a purpose on the Mets roster in 2026, but with no more minor league options, he’s easy to part with. Someone the White Sox had previously been interested in, we’ll gladly toss him in there just to clear the roster space.