The New York Mets have been linked to Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. in trade discussions for several months. Ongoing negotiations between the two teams suggest that the Mets are among the most active pursuers, according to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand.
Feinsand reports that Mets infielder Luisangel Acuña is one of the players being discussed in these talks. Over the weekend, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale noted that the White Sox are seeking Mark Vientos as part of any deal involving Robert. Despite Vientos experiencing a challenging season, this demand is significant, particularly considering Robert’s recent offensive inconsistencies. At just 23 years old, Acuña has yet to display the same potential that Vientos did last season, where he posted a .266/.322/.516 batting line with 27 home runs.
While Acuña excels defensively compared to Vientos, his offensive capabilities are more limited. The right-handed hitter carries a career line of .253/.300/.354, with three home runs across 91 games. His performance in Triple-A mirrors this trend, with a .260/.303/.356 slash in 640 plate appearances. Acuña is recognized for his contact hitting but lacks significant power.
With Francisco Lindor occupying the shortstop position, Acuña has primarily played second base for the Mets. Prospect analysts believe he has the athleticism and arm strength to handle shortstop, potentially increasing his value to another team compared to his role in New York. Meanwhile, the White Sox have been featuring Colson Montgomery more frequently at third base, in addition to rookie Chase Meidroth, who has played shortstop. Although Meidroth displays a solid batting approach, he has only hit three home runs in his first 82 MLB games, with most minor league scouts projecting him as a future second baseman.
It remains uncertain how close the Mets are to acquiring Robert, and it’s not guaranteed that Acuña would make it into the final return. He is likely one of several players under consideration as both teams explore potential deals. The White Sox have hinted at the possibility of retaining Robert through the deadline if they do not receive an attractive prospect package. Robert is under club control for two additional seasons through successive $20 million options.
While it’s more probable that he will be bought out for $2 million next offseason, the White Sox have indicated they might choose to exercise the first option instead of settling for an unsatisfactory trade offer. Their actions in the coming hours will clarify whether this stance is a genuine strategy or merely a negotiating tactic. Aside from the Mets, both the San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies have also expressed interest in Robert.
