3 big MLB trade deadline candidates the Mets won't come close to acquiring

3) Luis Robert

You don’t need to look far for another unattainable yet dreamy Mets trade candidate they have zero chance of acquiring. A White Sox teammate of Crochet, Luis Robert has been a much-talked about trade candidate for this year’s deadline.

The 26-year-old is a rising star whose biggest obstacle has been staying healthy. After the shortened 2020 season, he managed to play just 68 games in 2021 and another 98 in 2022. He was an All-Star, finally, in 2023 in a season where health was finally on his side. Robert hammered 38 home runs and drove in 80 while slashing .264/.315/.542.

This year hasn’t gone nearly as well. In 31 games, meaning he has missed more than half of the year, Robert is batting .205/.279/.487 with 9 home runs and 14 RBI. The power is present but not much else. It would be a bold addition for the Mets or anyone else to take him on.

What makes Robert especially intriguing is the contract. Owed $15 million next season with $20 million team options in 2026 and 2027, he could end up as a massive bargain in what should end up as the peak of his career. Robert’s trade value hasn’t taken as huge of a hit this year despite the poor performance because of the position he plays. Center fielders with his type of power are a rarity.

Robert doesn’t make enough sense for the Mets to pay the price. Harrison Bader has been fine and healthy in center field. They have Brandon Nimmo and Tyrone Taylor as alternatives, too. While Robert, at his best, can be better than Bader and Taylor by miles, selling a large part of the farm for such an injury-prone player at a position that isn’t your greatest need feels shortsighted.

Hit the delete key on any mock trade ideas you have for Robert. It ain’t happening.