Low Risk / High Reward

The New York Mets acquired center fielder Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox in a trade that sent infielder Luisangel Acuna and right-hander Truman Pauley to the White Sox. The Mets, who finished just short of a postseason spot in 2023, have overhauled their roster with the addition of Robert, Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco, and Marcus Semien, aiming to bolster their lineup and defense. The trade will push the Mets' payroll to around $350 million, with a 110% penalty on any additional salary added, making the true cost for Robert this season $42 million. Robert, a former Gold Glover, has shown flashes of playing at a level commensurate with that salary, hitting 38 home runs and stealing 20 bases in 2023.