The Chicago White Sox finally made a big move late Tuesday night. They traded outfielder Luis Robert Jr to the New York Mets. This has been a deal White Sox fans were hoping for for a while.
In return, Chicago gets two players. One is infielder Luisangel Acuña, the younger brother of superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. Acuña is 23 and can play second base, shortstop, and third base. He showed promise in 2024 with a .308 average in his first 14 games. Last year he hit .234 over 95 games, but this winter he has been on fire in Venezuela. In 39 games he has eight home runs, seven doubles, three triples, and 12 stolen bases. He looks like he is starting to find his power swing.
The second player coming to Chicago is right-handed pitcher Truman Pauley. Pauley was a 12th-round pick in the 2025 MLB Draft out of Harvard. In his first three Single-A starts, he had a 2.08 ERA. In college, he struck out 91 batters in 70.1 innings.
Robert is 28 and has been exciting but inconsistent. He had a big 2023 season with 38 home runs and 20 steals but has struggled with injuries and form in the past couple of seasons. The Mets hope he can return to his All-Star level and strengthen their outfield.
For the White Sox, this trade is about building for the future. Acuña gives them a young infielder with room to grow. Pauley adds pitching potential. They also free up roster space and salary to focus on younger players.
This trade ends a chapter in Chicago and starts a new one for both teams. The Mets are counting on Robert to shine again, while the White Sox aim to develop a core of young talent with long-term upside.
