Blade Tidwell could be a key name in the mix!
The trade market is still weeks from hitting full speed, but the rumblings have already started, and the Mets may have an early target.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, New York has touched base with the Chicago White Sox about center fielder Luis Robert Jr., a potential headliner on this summer’s trade block. Though talks remain preliminary, the White Sox are reportedly interested in right-handed pitching prospect Blade Tidwell as part of any return.
The New York Post’s Jon Heyman added that nothing is actively brewing “at this moment,” but Robert’s name is expected to circulate heavily over the next few months.
Tidwell, 23, made his MLB debut last weekend against the Cardinals after a string of Triple-A outings. He’s posted a 4.45 ERA and 1.25 WHIP across seven starts in Syracuse this season, and while the surface numbers don’t jump off the page, his underlying metrics suggest he’s been unlucky more than ineffective. Currently ranked as the Mets’ No. 12 prospect by Joe DeMayo, Tidwell features the kind of high-upside arsenal that rebuilding teams like Chicago tend to covet.
As for Robert, the 27-year-old hasn’t replicated his All-Star 2023 campaign, at least not at the plate. He’s slashing just .215/.282/.366 since the start of 2024, with a modest 82 wRC+ and 19 homers over his last 137 games. His strikeout rate has ballooned to 32.6% in that span, but he’s also walked at a decent 8.3% clip and stolen 38 bases. This year alone, he leads the majors with 15 steals and continues to play above-average defense in center field, all while staying healthy, something that’s been a challenge in past seasons.
The White Sox, languishing near the bottom of the standings, appear ready to field offers for their biggest remaining star. Robert is under contract for $15 million this season with a $20 million team option for 2026, giving any acquiring team both flexibility and cost control.
Tyrone Taylor has filled in center field during Jose Siri’s recovery from a fractured tibia, but he’s hitting just .249/.295/.317, good for a 90 wRC+, and doesn’t offer the ceiling Robert does. While Brandon Nimmo has settled into left field, and second base remains a rotation of Luisangel Acuña, Brett Baty, and Jeff McNeil, center field stands out as the most logical area for an upgrade.
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It’s unclear whether the Mets are prepared to meet Chicago’s price just yet, but Robert may just fit in perfectly.
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