Reds dodge Luis Robert Jr. disaster after White Sox surprising trade

The Cincinnati Reds had been linked to former All-Star Luis Robert Jr. for the better part of two years. The once promising young outfielder saw a severe downturn in production coupled with multiple trips to the injured list over the past two seasons, and the rebuilding Chicago White Sox made the decision to put Robert on the trade block.

The Reds made several attempts to acquire Robert, but the White Sox were never willing to budge on their sky-high asking price. Despite the centerfielder's combined .223/.288/.372 slash line over the past two seasons, Chicago remained convinced that Robert was still a valuable asset.

The New York Mets apparently agreed with Chicago's assessment, and finalized a trade with the White Sox to acquire the fallen star. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Mets are shipping infielder Luisangel Acuña and right-handed pitcher Truman Pauley to the White Sox and — according to New York Post columnist Jon Heyman — are taking on the entirety of Robert's $20 million salary for the 2026 season.

Reds dodge Luis Robert Jr. disaster after White Sox trade with Mets

The Reds just dodged a massive bullet. While Robert obviously has the ability to return to the type of player he was in 2023, his track record says otherwise. He's appeared in just 210 games since 2024 while posting a 1.8 fWAR and 84 wRC+. Those numbers are not worth $20 million ($22 million with the $2 million buyout included in his contract) and two players/ prospects.

Reds prospects like Edwin Arroyo and Cam Collier had been linked to a possible Robert trade in the past, but it was always assumed that any deal would include cash considerations. The White Sox, however, were able to swindle the Mets into not only sacrificing two young players, but also paying Robert's entire salary. Chicago's GM Chris Getz should receive an A+ for the trade regardless of how things pan out.

The White Sox always intended to deal Robert this winter (or at the trade deadline) and the Mets gave them the opportunity. While some fans will make the argument that Cincinnati could still use an impact bat like Robert in the lineup, the Reds were never going to take on a $20 million salary.