It's weird when a blockbuster trade doesn't work out for either side, but expectations were never terribly high once the Chicago White Sox sent Luis Robert Jr. to the New York Mets. The one-time All-Star had shown so much promise while with the Pale Hose, but injuries robbed him of any chance of ever cementing himself as the face of the franchise.
And so the saga has continued in Queens this year; Robert missed about three months earlier this season due to a lumbar spine disc herniation and has played in less than 60 games with the Mets. Meanwhile, Luisangel Acuña has proven himself to be nothing more than a versatile bench piece who can't hit, and Truman Pauley has an FIP hovering around six in Low-A.
Now, it appears the Mets are ready to give up on their end of the deal. They've placed Robert on waivers, freeing up any of the other 29 teams to assume his remaining contract.
Though a reunion is incredibly unlikely after their drawn-out divorce earlier this year, is it possible that the White Sox could be the best landing spot for Robert?
Bringing Luis Robert Jr. back would be a logistical headache, but also an upgrade
In terms of the logistical end of things, everyone around here should be familiar with his contract. He's owed about $3 million the remainder of this season, as well as a $2 million buyout (or a $20 million club option) in 2027. That comes out to a little over $5 million guaranteed, which is pretty steep for one month plus a postseason run.
Likewise, it should be noted that expensive veterans get placed on waivers all the time. The Reds just did it with Eugenio Suárez and TJ Friedl, and the White Sox passed on the opportunity to add either to their bench in favor of Acuña. Odds are, Robert will also go unclaimed and remain with the Mets.
That being said, the White Sox have become surprising contenders since they jettisoned Robert, and he remains an above-average player when healthy. He's responsible for a 101 wRC+ this season, not to mention 10 homers in just a shade over 200 plate appearances. In addition, he's also shown a recent willingness to slide over to the outfield corners, which would enhance his appeal as a bench option.
Luis Robert Jr. has a multi-homer game against his former team! pic.twitter.com/boMjvRH2l1
— MLB (@MLB) August 23, 2026
Of course, he'd have to accept a bench role in order to return to Chicago, since Tristan Peters, Braden Montgomery, and Sam Antonacci aren't moving for anyone. Randal Grichuk is also already installed as a lefty-mashing reserve outfielder, meaning that Robert would have to displace Brenton Doyle (or possibly Acuña, though that'd make the bench very outfield heavy) for a spot.
He's probably owed too much money to justify that kind of late-season investment in a bench piece, but much like Suárez a few days ago, the White Sox have an opportunity to upgrade their offense for nothing more than cash by claiming Robert. Bringing him back would certainly be a loud statement that management is all-in on this year's pursuit of an AL Central title.
Add us as a preferred source on Google