White Sox Trade Luis Robert Jr. To Mets In Blockbuster Deal

The winds of change have swept through Chicago, and the South Side will never be quite the same. After years of swirling rumors and near-misses at the trade deadline, the Chicago White Sox have officially parted ways with All-Star center fielder Luis Robert Jr., sending him to the New York Mets in exchange for infielder/outfielder Luisangel Acuña and right-handed pitching prospect Truman Pauley. The blockbuster deal, finalized on January 20, 2026, marks a pivotal moment for both franchises—one seeking to reload for the future, the other aiming to add star power for a playoff push.

For those following the White Sox’s rebuild, the trade comes as no surprise. Robert’s name has hovered persistently in trade speculation since at least the 2024 deadline, and his $20 million club option for 2026—exercised by the Sox in November—only fueled the chatter. He was the last man standing from the club’s previous attempt at building a contender, a symbol of what could have been and, perhaps, what might be again in a new uniform. But late Tuesday evening, as the Sox Machine Podcast was recording, the news broke: Luis Robert Jr. was headed to Queens. ESPN’s Jeff Passan was among the first to confirm the deal.

Robert leaves behind a legacy in Chicago that’s hard to overstate. Signed as an international free agent from Cuba in May 2017, the now-28-year-old played six seasons with the White Sox, appearing in 577 games and slashing .259/.313/.455. Over that span, he racked up 115 doubles, two triples, 102 home runs, 298 RBIs, 318 runs, and 102 stolen bases. His 2023 campaign was the stuff of legend: 36 doubles, 38 homers, an .857 OPS, his first All-Star selection, and a Silver Slugger Award. He also flashed the leather, winning a Gold Glove in 2020 and routinely patrolling center field with a blend of speed and grace that electrified fans.

Yet, Robert’s tenure was not without its challenges. Injuries often limited his availability, with 2025 being no exception. In that season, he slashed .223/.297/.364, hitting 14 home runs and swiping 33 bases across 110 games before a Grade 2 left hamstring strain on August 26 abruptly ended his year. Despite the setbacks, Robert remained a coveted asset, and the Mets’ willingness to absorb his $20 million salary—along with a club option for 2027—demonstrates just how highly they value his all-around game.

So, what are the White Sox getting in return? The centerpiece is Luisangel Acuña, a 23-year-old who will turn 24 during spring training. Acuña is no stranger to baseball royalty—he’s the younger brother of 2023 National League MVP Ronald Acuña Jr.—and his own pedigree is impressive. Ranked as the Mets’ No. 3 prospect by MLB Pipeline in 2024, Acuña made his MLB debut on September 14 of that year, hitting .308 with three home runs over 14 games.

In 2025, Acuña’s big-league experience was a mixed bag. Playing in 95 games for the Mets, he slashed .234/.293/.274 with seven doubles, eight RBIs, 30 runs, and 16 stolen bases—showcasing his 97th-percentile sprint speed. Regular playing time was hard to come by in New York’s crowded infield, and Acuña was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse three times, where he posted a .303/.347/.385 line over 28 games. His career minor league stats are even more encouraging: a .282/.351/.400 slash line over parts of six seasons.

Versatility is one of Acuña’s hallmarks. In the majors, he’s started 41 games at second base, 13 at shortstop, and one at third. This offseason, he’s been sharpening his skills in the Venezuelan Winter League with Cardenales de Lara, where he’s turned heads by hitting .282/.397/.542 with seven doubles, three triples, and eight home runs—including a stunning four-homer game on January 10, 2026. He’s also swiped 12 bags in 39 games, splitting time between shortstop (23 games) and center field (17 games). The White Sox, with plenty of playing time to offer, are expected to give Acuña every opportunity to find his footing, whether at second base, center field, or perhaps both.

"He used his 97th-percentile sprint speed to steal 16 bases in 17 attempts last year, so capable center field play would seem to be within his grasp," noted MLB.com, highlighting Acuña’s immediate impact potential. His contact skills are solid—just an 18.4 percent strikeout rate over his first 244 MLB plate appearances—and Statcast previously graded his bat speed as well above average. The biggest question mark? Swing decisions. But with the Sox rebuilding and Acuña out of minor league options, he’ll get the reps he needs to prove himself.

Joining Acuña in the deal is Truman Pauley, a 22-year-old right-handed pitcher and Harvard graduate. Pauley was selected in the 12th round of the 2025 MLB Draft and made three appearances for the Mets’ Single-A affiliate, allowing just one run over 4.1 innings and posting a 2.08 ERA with three strikeouts. According to the Crimson’s student paper, Pauley is a mechanical engineering major who throws a promising gyro slider—a pitch that could help him climb the organizational ladder if he continues to develop. He’s expected to start 2026 in Single-A with the White Sox, but the club clearly sees upside in his arm.

For the Mets, the acquisition of Luis Robert Jr. signals a clear intent to contend. Robert’s blend of power, speed, and defensive prowess could be the missing piece in a lineup looking for a spark. For the White Sox, the trade is about the future—stockpiling young, controllable talent with upside. General manager Chris Getz has added another promising piece in Acuña to a roster that’s already brimming with youth, and Pauley represents a lottery ticket with intriguing potential.

Of course, the move also leaves a gaping hole in the Sox outfield. With Robert gone, Chicago could turn to recent acquisition Everson Pereira or seek additional reinforcements. Alternatively, Acuña’s experience in center—he’s logged 37 starts in Triple-A over the past two seasons and 17 appearances this winter—could make him a candidate to patrol the middle of the diamond in 2026.

Trades of this magnitude are never easy. For fans, they represent the end of an era—and the hope of a new beginning. As the dust settles, all eyes will be on Acuña and Pauley as they don the black and white for the first time, and on Robert as he brings his considerable talents to the Big Apple. One thing’s for sure: this deal will shape the fortunes of both franchises for years to come.

As spring training approaches, anticipation is building. Will Acuña seize his opportunity in Chicago? Can Pauley develop into a reliable arm in the Sox system? And will Robert’s arrival in New York spark a new era of Mets baseball? The answers, as always, will unfold on the field.