Report: Mets Checked In On Luis Robert, White Sox Eyeing Tidwell

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the New York Mets are one of the teams to check in on outfielder Luis Robert Jr. The Chicago White Sox are reportedly eyeing pitcher Blade Tidwell in return. This news comes after injuries to outfielders Jose Siri and Jesse Winker.

After Nightengale’s Sunday morning report, Jon Heyman of the NY Post confirmed that there is no deal imminent and that interest is more so intended for something down the road.

Robert Jr. was once looked upon as one of the rising stars in the game. The still only 27-year-old is struggling once again at the plate this season, as he is slashing .186/.293/.326 with eight extra-base hits and 16 RBIs across 129 at-bats. Last season, Robert posted a career-low .657 OPS while battling injury.

After an All-Star 2023, where the 25-year-old posted an .857 OPS to go along with 38 home runs, 80 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases, stardom looked to be on the horizon. However, whether specifically due to injury or not, that has yet to happen as he has now struggled at the plate dearly for a season-plus.

Despite the poor results at the plate, Robert has already stolen 15 bases, has a 64th percentile outs above average in the outfield, and currently has his walk rate at a career-high 13.2% (83rd percentile) thus far this season. The center fielder also has a 92nd percentile bat speed, which usually is a good characteristic.

Robert is making $15 million this season, and has a $20 million team option for next season, with a $2 million buy-out.

The second aspect of Nightgale’s Sunday morning report mentions the White Sox would target pitching prospect Blade Tidwell in a potential return. Tidwell recently made his major-league debut, allowing nine hits and six runs over 3 2/3 innings. The former 23-year-old has posted decent enough numbers for Triple-A Syracuse this season: 30 1/3 innings, 4.45 ERA, 42 strikeouts, 2.97 FIP, 3.59 xFIP.

Tidwell entered the season as Metsmerized’s No. 15 ranked prospect.

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