Apr 14, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; New York Mets center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) reacts after he was called out on strikes to end the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Luis Robert Jr. has jumped from the injured list straight into the trade rumors after re-joining a Mets side on the precipice of selling at the deadline.
Per Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, multiple teams have “preliminary interest” in the center fielder, who returned from the IL on Monday after suffering a back injury on April 27.
In that time, he has become obsolete due to the emergence of young outfielders Carson Benge and AJ Ewing, and the reality that he cannot be relied on because of his ceaseless injury issues. The 28-year-old has played more than 110 games in a season just once in his seven-year career.
The Mets would all but certainly decline Robert’s $20 million option for next season if they can’t find a trade partner. He is still owed a significant amount of money this season, and Steve Cohen would likely have to eat some of that to help facilitate a deal.
Robert showed what he is capable of when healthy in just his second game back from the IL on Tuesday night in Milwaukee, hitting a gargantuan 451-foot home run off former Mets prospect Brandon Sproat, who was dealt to the Brewers in the Freddy Peralta deal over the winter.
In 26 games this season, Robert is slashing .213/.308/.340 (.649 OPS) with three home runs and nine RBI.
For more on Luis Robert Jr. and the Mets, visit AMNY.com
