In Port St. Lucie, Fla., Luis Robert Jr. is making waves with his impressive power at the plate.
The Mets' new star center fielder showcased his skills during live batting practice, sending a 115.5-mph line drive screaming to the left field wall off Sean Manaea. Earlier in the day, Robert launched a home run tracked at an eye-popping 470 feet.
This kind of power is exactly what Robert is known for, and witnessing it in person left the Mets organization buzzing with excitement.
Jeff Albert, the Mets' director of major league hitting, couldn't help but marvel at Robert's abilities. "His tools are incredible," Albert shared, highlighting the unique talent Robert brings to the team.
Manager Carlos Mendoza echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the potential impact Robert could have if he stays healthy. "If this guy stays healthy, we’ve got a pretty good player," Mendoza noted.
The Mets made a bold move trading for Robert, absorbing his salary and sending two players to the White Sox. Despite his history of injuries and inconsistent production, Robert's potential is undeniable.
In 2023, he played over 110 games for the first time and hit 38 home runs, earning All-Star honors. The Mets are banking on Robert recapturing that form, and they're taking steps to ensure his health this season.
To keep Robert on the field, the Mets are easing him into spring training, giving the training staff time to focus on strengthening his lower body. Robert himself is focused on staying healthy, knowing it's key to his success. "The ultimate goal is to be able to stay out on the field," Robert said through an interpreter.
The plan for Robert is to simplify his approach at the plate, focusing on making consistent contact. With his elite bat speed and raw power, even a simplified swing can produce impressive results.
"I don’t think he needs to have a big leg kick," Albert explained. "He already has so much bat speed and power, he doesn’t need a lot of movement to generate that kind of power."
Ultimately, Robert's health is the linchpin to his success. He acknowledges this, stating, "It’s the health.
That’s the number one thing." If he can stay on the field, the Mets might just have a game-changer in their lineup.