It was well known before the season that Luis Robert Jr., a centerfielder with the Chicago White Sox, would be among the most sought-after and targeted players before this season’s trade deadline.
These discussions were somewhat delayed down by Robert’s poor start to the season, and until lately, not much had been spoken regarding his trade market. Bob Nightengale of USA Today recently stated that the New York Mets had inquired about Robert’s availability, indicating that the team is dissatisfied with the output from their outfielders.
Given that his average of.186 in 129 at-bats this season is much below the league average, Robert isn’t exactly blowing the lid off the ball.
Since he ended the previous season with career-worst batting average, slugging percentage, on-base percentage, home runs, RBIs, and OPS, Robert’s troubles are nothing new.
The former All-Star and Silver Slugger winner’s sole significant contribution to the White Sox has been on the base paths. His 15 stolen bases are the greatest in the America League, but his five caught stealing are the worst in the major league.
It is regrettable that he has regressed from a guy who hit.264 with 38 home runs just two seasons ago, since this has significantly reduced his trade value. He may benefit from a change of scenery, though, and the Mets seem interested in him.
It has been suggested that Blade Tidwell, a right-hander for the Mets and a No. 15 prospect, will be the main target of any deal involving Robert. With a 4.45 ERA in seven starts this season, Tidwell has had a difficult time in Triple-A.
In a deal with New York, Chicago would probably be able to get Tidwell along with another top 30 prospect. The Mets’ No. 18 prospect Nate Dohm and No. 25 prospect Dom Hamel are choices if pitching assistance is the main theme.
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The Mets may make an early-season deal that would give them one of New York’s best centerfielders on a winning club for not just the rest of this season but also two more if Robert can make progress between now and the beginning of June.
