00:00late-night trade gives Mets a boost in the outfield in a move that
00:05could shift the momentum in Queens the New York Mets have made a high-stakes gamble on a once
00:10explosive outfielder who just might be on the cusp of rediscovery
00:15according to one report the Mets have acquired Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox
00:20sending infielder Luis Angelo Cunha and minor league pitcher Truman Pauly in return
00:25the Mets will absorb Roberts full salary a financial risk that speaks volumes about
00:30the team's intentions for 2026 a former star searching for redemption
00:35once hailed as the next five-tool superstar Roberts trajectory has been
00:40anything but smooth after a breakout 2023 campaign where
00:45he belted 38 home runs stole 20 bases and captured both an MLB
00:50all-star nod and a silver slugger the following two seasons served as a cautionary
00:55tale nagging injuries and prolonged slumps chipped away at his shine and his production
01:00dipped to a 223 288 372 line from 2024
01:052024 to 2025 but for the Mets what matters isn't just
01:10the past it's the recent glimpse of what might still be and that glimpse
01:15came in the back half of 2025 after the all-star break Robert showed a
01:20spark reminiscent of his prime hitting nearly 300 with renewed plate discipline and
01:25extra bass pop before a strained hamstring cut short his resurgence
01:28the Mets are
01:30betting big that this late season flash wasn't a fluke but the start of a new chapter
01:35run prevention remains the driving philosophy defensively right
01:40Robert remains a plus contributor in center field his plus five defensive runs
01:45saved in 2025 and gold glove pedigree aligned perfectly with the Mets offseason
01:50strategy bolster run prevention particularly up the middle with Francisco Lindor
01:55and Marcus Semien anchoring the infield the Mets now boast a defensive trio capable of
02:00transforming games with the Glove Acuna's Mets era ends quietly while
02:05Paulie adds intrigue in exchange the Mets part ways with Louie
02:10Angel Acuna once considered a key part of their future though versatile and athletic
02:15Acuna never quite found offensive traction in New York and the White Sox may be better
02:20position to give him regular reps as for Paulie he remains a wild card
02:25raw with just over four innings of pro experience but tantalizing upside
02:30thanks to a deep pitch mix and elite fastball movement the trade is a
02:35calculated risk for New York but if Luis Robert Jr. regains even eight
02:40percent of his former form this deal could be remembered as the turning point in the Mets
02:45journey back to contention a bet on upside defense and the revival of a once elected
02:50and electrifying talent
02:51and electrifying talent
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