The New York Mets are quickly running out of patience and viable options in center field, with the clock ticking against them. Their current situation is far from ideal. With Jose Siri sidelined and Tyrone Taylor struggling to provide consistent offensive production, the Mets’ outfield looks incomplete and lacks the power the team desperately needs. While Taylor brings energy and solid defense, his offensive contributions fall short, making him more of a temporary fix than a long-term answer.
For several weeks, Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox has been the leading name in trade discussions as the Mets search for an upgrade. On paper, Robert seems to fit the bill perfectly—athletic, powerful, and only 27 years old. However, his 2025 season has been deeply disappointing so far, raising significant concerns about whether he can live up to his once high expectations. At just .185 with a 63 wRC+ (Weighted Runs Created Plus), Robert has been a below-average hitter, a sharp decline for a player who was once viewed as a potential MVP candidate.
Despite his struggles, the White Sox are unlikely to simply give Robert away. He remains under team control and is still seen as a player with enormous potential. The Mets would naturally want to acquire him at a discount given his poor performance this season, but Chicago likely views his slump as temporary, not permanent, which makes negotiations complicated. Robert’s value is stuck in an awkward space—not quite good enough to demand a blockbuster return, but too talented to sell low. This makes him a tricky trade puzzle for any front office.
If talks surrounding Robert stall, the Mets might consider a more daring and arguably riskier option: Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton. According to Bob Nightengale, Buxton has emerged as a wild-card trade target. Like Robert, Buxton is a five-tool player known for his combination of talent and injury concerns. While his health has been a major question mark throughout his career, 2025 has been a breakout season for him. The 31-year-old is currently batting .281 with a .347 on-base percentage and a .566 slugging percentage, hitting 19 home runs and stealing 15 bases, along with an impressive 151 wRC+. His performance places him among the elite players in the league, ranking 11th in WAR (Wins Above Replacement) among all position players.
Defensively, Buxton remains a threat in center field. Despite some mixed defensive metrics, he’s collected five Outs Above Average this season, showing that his speed and instincts haven’t faded. Though Defensive Runs Saved puts him at zero, that statistic doesn’t always fully capture his range and ability to read the ball. Buxton may no longer be the electrifying 24-year-old prospect, but when healthy, he remains a game-changing presence.
However, Buxton’s trade price comes with complications. He signed a hefty \$100 million contract extension a few years ago, and his injury history combined with Minnesota’s desire for significant prospects in return could make a deal expensive and risky. The Twins, currently 40-44 and hovering near contention, might be willing to rebuild, making Buxton potentially available. The Mets could then pursue him, hoping his health holds up and that his star-level play boosts their postseason chances.
Trading for Luis Robert Jr. is like buying a flashy but flawed sports car, while pursuing Byron Buxton resembles betting on a high-potential racehorse with fragile legs. Both moves carry significant risks but promise big rewards. When your outfield desperately lacks offensive punch, cautious band-aids won’t suffice. The Mets may need to take bold chances and accept the uncertainties to land a true difference-maker.
