The New York Mets initiated their trade efforts a week ahead of the Major League Baseball trade deadline by acquiring pitcher Gregory Soto to strengthen their bullpen. However, the team is also reportedly looking at bolstering their offense by targeting two center fielders from the American League: Cedric Mullins of the Baltimore Orioles and Luis Robert of the Chicago White Sox.
As the Mets prepare for their upcoming game, their center fielders currently rank 18th in the league based on OPS, sporting a disappointing .221/.301/.357 triple-slash line. While Tyrone Taylor has performed admirably in the field with notable defensive stats, his offensive contributions have fallen short, evident from his 62 OPS+.
Mullins appears more likely to be traded, especially given that he is on an expiring contract and the Orioles are heading into sell mode at the trade deadline. His recent statements suggested an understanding of his impending move. This season, Mullins has struggled with a .701 OPS, but he did have a substantial early-season performance, highlighted by a .927 OPS during his first 119 plate appearances.
On the other hand, Luis Robert has a $20 million club option for the 2026 season and has posted a .632 OPS this year. However, he has shown improvement lately, boasting a .926 OPS in July. The White Sox seem hesitant to trade him unless they receive a quality prospect in return.
In summary, as the Mets look to bolster their lineup, the pursuit of these outfielders reflects a proactive approach to addressing ongoing performance issues. Acquiring either player could provide the Mets with both immediate and long-term benefits, especially as they continue to navigate the challenges of the season.