The Luis Robert Jr. trade finally happened-and it’s the New York Mets who made the splash.
After years of swirling rumors and near-deals, the Chicago White Sox found a match in Queens. The Mets pulled the trigger on a trade that sends Robert, the dynamic outfielder with All-Star upside, to New York in exchange for infielder Luisangel Acuña and right-handed pitching prospect Truman Pauley. It’s a bold move, but one that makes a lot of sense given the Mets’ recent roster reshaping.
New York has been busy this offseason. The additions of Marcus Semien, Jorge Polanco, and Bo Bichette significantly deepened their infield, creating a surplus that made Acuña-brother of Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr.-expendable. With Robert now in the fold, the Mets add a proven bat and glove to their outfield, addressing a key area of need with a player who, when healthy, has shown the tools to be one of the most electric outfielders in the game.
For Boston, this deal stings a bit-not because they lost out on Robert, but because it takes a potential trade partner off the board at a time when options are thinning fast.
The Red Sox have been in the market for a big-league-ready infielder, and the Mets, flush with talent in that department, seemed like a natural trade partner. Social media was buzzing with hypothetical packages that could’ve sent one of New York’s young infielders-Acuña, Brett Baty, or Mark Vientos-to Boston in exchange for outfield help. On paper, it made sense: Boston has outfielders to spare, and New York had an infield logjam.
But those fits were far from perfect. Vientos is more of a corner infielder, Baty has split time between third and second base, and Acuña is a middle infielder whose arrival would’ve likely forced top prospect Marcelo Mayer to shift to third.
None of them offered the kind of experience or polish that Boston ideally needs. Compared to someone like Alex Bregman, who brings a proven bat and postseason pedigree, those names just don’t move the needle in the same way.
Now, with the Mets no longer in the picture, Boston’s trade landscape gets even narrower.
They’ve reportedly checked in with the Diamondbacks about Ketel Marte-a strong fit, especially considering the Red Sox haven’t had a true second baseman hold down the position since Dustin Pedroia’s injury in 2017. But Arizona appears to be keeping Marte as they focus on their own roster upgrades.
The Cubs' Nico Hoerner has also been floated, as has St. Louis’ Brendan Donovan, but neither seems likely.
Hoerner’s availability is slim to none, and Donovan, a left-handed hitter, wouldn’t help balance a lineup that already leans heavily in that direction.
There are still names out there-Eugenio Suárez remains unsigned, and the Astros might be open to moving Isaac Paredes-but both come with defensive question marks that don’t quite align with Boston’s needs. The Red Sox aren’t just looking for a bat-they need someone who can handle the glove, too.
That’s why it’s starting to feel like Bregman or Marte were the cleanest fits, and with one likely off the table and the other already gone, Boston’s front office is running out of ideal options.
With spring training around the corner, the window for a meaningful infield upgrade is closing fast. The Mets got their guy. Now it’s Boston’s move-and the clock is ticking.