Newcomer Luis Robert Jr. opening with New York Mets like long-term CF answer
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The New York Mets wanted Luis Robert Jr. to patrol center field.
For nearly two years, the Chicago White Sox held on to their enigmatic talent as the Mets negotiated different scenarios, intent on landing the intriguing talent.
Despite consistent health concerns, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns spearheaded the prolonged talks. Finally, on Jan. 21, the White Sox agreed to jettison Robert.
"We were in contact with the White Sox for a long period of time," Stearns said, as reported by MLB.com.
"We went through a variety of concepts, ideas.”
Through two games with the Mets, Robert, who slammed a game-winning two-run home run Saturday, validated Stearns’ extra efforts to finalize the deal.
Luis Robert Jr. starts strong with Mets
With automatic runner Bo Bichette stationed on second base, Robert faced left-hander Hunter Barco and connected on a 1-0 slider, sending it over the left-center fence at Citi Field.
Over the past several seasons, the Mets auditioned players such as Harrison Bader, Tyrone Taylor, Jose Siri, and Cedric Mullins, among others. None of those players was mistaken for Lenny Dykstra.
The Mets on Saturday improved to 2-0 with Robert in center field.
Batting fifth in the season opener Thursday, the 28-year-old reached base three times, scored a run and drove in two runs during the Mets’ 11-7 victory.
Robert, who could become a free agent in 2027, is scheduled to make $20 million this season and then possesses a $20 million club option with a $2 million buyout. Is he the Mets' long-term answer?
Only once in seven seasons has injury-riddled Robert dressed for more than 110 games in a season. Last season with the White Sox, he struck out at a rate of 29.7 percent.
If Robert can compete near his 2023 All-Star level, when he slugged 38 homers and stole 20 bases, Mets fans could finally have someone to compare to Dykstra.