Reds seemingly escape disaster as once-hyped trade target spirals in painful slump

Luis Robert Jr. was a popular trade target for the Cincinnati Reds fanbase along with the local and national media. The Reds were linked to the former Chicago White Sox All-Star for what seemed like two seasons, but the New York Mets ultimately swung a deal for Robert during the offseason.

The Mets shipped infielder Luisangel Acuña and pitching prospect Truman Pauley to the South Side of Chicago in exchange for Robert. Of note was the fact that New York took on the entirety of Robert's $20 million salary for the 2026 season. His contract also includes a team-option for 2027 with a $2 million buyout.

Once the 2026 season got underway, the Mets had to feel pretty good about their acquisition. Through the team's first 14 games of the season, Robert was hitting .298/.441/.426 with a 157 wRC+. But ever since the Mets' West Coast trip to visit the Los Angeles Dodgers, Robert has struggled mightily at the dish.

Since April 13, Robert's hitting .132/.154/.211 with a -2 wRC+ and a 2.6% walk-rate. His defense has been underwhelming as well, and New York may well have a mess on their hands as the season progresses.

Reds chose Dane Myers and JJ Bleday over Luis Robert Jr.

The Reds meanwhile have to love what they've seen from their two offseason additions. Dane Myers was traded from the Reds in exchange for minor-league outfielder Ethan O'Donnell, and has already turned into a key member of Terry Francona's outfield platoon. Myers is hitting .263/.404/.342 with a 118 wRC+, and has played above-average defense in center field.

The Reds' other outfield addition, JJ Bleday, just began his Reds' career over the weekend and announced his presence with a bang. The former first-round pick hit a home run during his second plate appearance on Sunday and will be looking to find more playing time in the coming weeks. Cincinnati signed Bleday to a one-year, $1.4 million deal and he's under team control through 2028.

It's early, and there's obviously time for Robert to bounce back and the duo of Myers and Bleday to stumble. But considering the cost — both in terms of salary and prospect capital — the Reds have to feel as if they avoided disaster by steering clear of Robert and addressing their outfield needs in other ways.

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