As the July 31 MLB trade deadline looms, the New York Mets are actively pursuing multiple outfield options to bolster their roster for the playoff push. With the team riding a hot streak and currently leading the NL East by 1.5 games over the Philadelphia Phillies, every move counts. The Mets’ centerfield situation, in particular, has been a glaring weakness, prompting them to explore several trade targets including Luis Robert Jr., Cedric Mullins, Ramon Laureano, and even potential designated hitter replacements.
Leading the pack of trade rumors is Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr., who has recently reclaimed the spotlight with a strong performance surge. After struggling through the 2024 season and much of 2025, Robert’s trade value had taken a hit, evidenced by his .216/.284/.366 slash line over 186 games spanning the last two seasons. However, since June 10, 2025, Robert has turned things around, batting .267/.353/.500 with six home runs and five stolen bases in 28 games. This resurgence has reignited interest from contending teams, with the Mets reportedly emerging as the frontrunner in acquiring him. According to MLB insider Jon Heyman, the Mets have been aggressive in their pursuit, with sources elevating New York to the top of the list among suitors, which also includes the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres.
The White Sox, having already traded away key pieces like Dylan Cease and Garrett Crochet, view Robert as their last major trade chip. They face a tough decision: either let Robert test free agency this offseason or pick up his $20 million team option for 2026, hoping he can rebuild his value. For a Mets team whose centerfielders collectively hit just .216/.286/.322 with four home runs in 402 plate appearances—ranking tied for 11th worst in MLB per FanGraphs—the addition of even a diminished Robert would be a significant upgrade.
Meanwhile, the Mets are also eyeing Baltimore Orioles outfielders Cedric Mullins and Ramon Laureano as potential trade targets. The Orioles, sitting at 49-58 and expected to sell off more pieces before the deadline, have already dealt left-handed reliever Gregory Soto to New York for two minor league prospects. Cedric Mullins, Baltimore’s centerfielder, has had a challenging season, hitting .226/.303/.429 with a .732 OPS, 15 home runs, and 49 RBIs in 90 games. Although his performance dipped since May, Mullins is beginning to heat up, making him an intriguing rental option who could slide directly into the Mets’ centerfield spot.
Ramon Laureano, on the other hand, is having an outstanding 2025 campaign. The 31-year-old is slashing .285/.347/.527 with a .874 OPS, 15 homers, and 46 RBIs in 80 games, marking his best season since 2019. Laureano’s recent hot streak is notable, boasting a .661 slugging percentage and 14 RBIs over his last 15 games. Defensively versatile, he has played left and right field for Baltimore but has over 300 games of centerfield experience across his seven-year career, making him a natural fit for New York’s needs. Moreover, Laureano is a plus defender and carries a $6.5 million club option for 2026, which could complicate negotiations compared to Mullins, who will be a free agent after this season.
However, acquiring Laureano may come at a higher cost. Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns is reportedly reluctant to part with young contributors like infielder Mark Vientos for a rental player. Instead, a package involving some of the Mets’ top prospects—excluding their prized pitching prospects Jonah Tong, Nolan McLean, and Brandon Sproat—might be necessary. Players such as Ryan Clifford and Drew Gilbert could be included to secure a short-term impact outfielder like Laureano.
Aside from outfield reinforcements, the Mets are also monitoring their designated hitter situation closely. The team had hoped for a solid platoon between Jesse Winker and Starling Marte in 2025, with Marte delivering quality numbers in a part-time role. Unfortunately, Winker’s season has been derailed by injuries, limiting him to just 26 appearances. He initially landed on the injured list in early May with an oblique injury, returned briefly in July, but suffered a back injury after only three plate appearances across two games. Given Winker’s contributions during the 2024 playoffs, his absence is a significant blow.
To mitigate this, the Mets are considering trade candidates to fill Winker’s role if his injury persists. One notable option is Ryan O’Hearn, who has quietly emerged as a consistent offensive force. After struggling with the Kansas City Royals early in his career, O’Hearn revitalized his game with the Orioles, earning an All-Star nod in 2025. This season, he boasts a .284/.375/.452 batting line with 12 home runs in 352 plate appearances, alongside a career-best 11.6% walk rate and a strikeout rate under 20%. O’Hearn’s versatility allows him to play both corner outfield spots and first base, excelling defensively at first base with +4 Defensive Runs Saved and +6 Outs Above Average in under 350 innings.
O’Hearn’s offensive profile is heavily skewed towards success against right-handed pitching, where he posts a .869 OPS and 143 wRC+, but he struggles against lefties, with a .630 OPS and 85 wRC+. The Orioles have managed his exposure to left-handed pitchers accordingly. Given Baltimore’s disappointing season and sub-.500 record, O’Hearn is expected to be traded, making him a prime rental candidate for the Mets looking to shore up their DH spot.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Mets find themselves at a crossroads with multiple roster needs. Their recent nine wins in 13 games have propelled them into first place in the NL East, but sustaining this momentum requires shoring up weak spots, particularly in centerfield and designated hitter roles. The pursuit of Luis Robert Jr. stands out as a potential game-changer, but the options extend beyond him, with Cedric Mullins and Ramon Laureano offering alternative paths to improve the outfield. Meanwhile, Ryan O’Hearn represents a savvy choice to cover for the injured Jesse Winker.
Each potential acquisition comes with its own set of challenges, whether it’s negotiating the price for a player under club control like Laureano or finding the right balance of prospects to part with. The Mets’ front office, led by David Stearns, appears determined to strike the right deals without mortgaging their future, especially protecting top pitching prospects. Fans can expect a flurry of activity as the deadline nears, with the Mets eager to add impact players who can help them maintain their division lead and make a deep postseason run.
