Morning Briefing: Mets in Trade Talks for Luis Robert Jr.
Good morning, Mets fans! Spring training games are less than two months away.
The White Sox signed Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami Sunday and then pivoted to Luis Robert Jr. trade talks. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that Chicago is looking to deal the center fielder for pitching and are involved in discussions with the Mets and Reds.
Robert, 28, hit .223/.297/.364 with 14 home runs, 53 RBIs and 33 stolen bases in 110 games this season. Defensively, he was seven outs above average, placing him in the 93rd percentile, per Baseball Savant. He suffered a hamstring strain in late August and missed the rest of the season. The White Sox picked up a $20 million team option for 2026 last month. He has a $20 million team option again next year (or a $2 million buyout).
In 2023, Robert hit 38 home runs, posted an .857 OPS, made the All-Star team and won a Silver Slugger. What pitcher would you be willing to part with (if any) for Robert?
Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Latest Mets News
Luisangel Acuña went 1-for-5 with two runs scored, a walk and a stolen base Sunday in Venezuelan Winter League action. The 23-year-old entered the game slashing .285/.399/.555 with eight homers and 11 stolen bases in 38 games.
In the Dominican Winter League, Ronny Mauricio, 24, went 2-for-5 with a double, two RBIs, a run scored, a stolen base and he made a fielding error at third base. He entered the day at 8-for-43 with two homers and a steal in a dozen games.
The Mets spring training opener is Feb. 21 against the Marlins. (Random thought: Technically, the winter leagues begin in the fall and spring training starts in the winter.)
Latest MLB News
The Red Sox acquired Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras for right-hander Hunter Dobbins and minor league RHPs Yhoiker Fajardo and Blake Aita. The Mets were linked to Contreras earlier in the offseason.
Murakami’s deal with the White Sox is for two years and $34 million. James Villani has more here.
The Blue Jays are interested in Alex Bregman, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The Red Sox, Cubs and Diamondbacks have already been linked to the third baseman.
Latest on MMO
James Villani looks at where the Mets’ payroll may land when all is said and done. Looks like they should have money for a starter and an outfielder.
James Villani has more on how Acuña and Mauricio are faring in the winter leagues.
On This Date in Mets History
2005: The Mets sign free agent Endy Chávez. A great way to start the day is to watch this.
Born on This Date: Gavin Cecchini (1993).
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