For much of the winter, the New York Mets' offseason was better defined by what the team lost rather than what it gained. The Mets are doing their best to change that narrative.
After missing out on Kyle Tucker, the Mets swooped in and signed Bo Bichette over the rival Philadelphia Phillies. Days later, New York acquired OF Luis Robert from the Chicago White Sox, landing the talented but highly inconsistent former All-Star after years of trade rumors.
With Bichette and Robert in the mix, the Mets are hoping they are better positioned to weather the losses of Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo, even if their new duo isn't guaranteed to stay in Queens beyond 2026.
Here's a look at the Mets' projected lineup with Robert in the fold.
MORE: Full details of Bo Bichette's deal with Mets
Mets lineup projection 2026
| Order | Player | Position |
| 1 | Francisco Lindor | SS |
| 2 | Juan Soto | RF |
| 3 | Bo Bichette | 3B |
| 4 | Jorge Polanco | 1B |
| 5 | Marcus Semien | 2B |
| 6 | Brett Baty | DH |
| 7 | Luis Robert | CF |
| 8 | Francisco Alvarez | C |
| 9 | Carson Benge | LF |
The addition of Robert gives the Mets a clear-cut centerfielder and should allow Tyrone Taylor to shift back to a fourth outfielder role if former first-round pick Carson Benge can break camp with the team and make the Opening Day roster.
Three infield positions are set for the Mets, and they reportedly plan to use Jorge Polanco as their primary first baseman after Alonso's exit.
With Robert in the fold, the biggest lingering question might be the roles of Brett Baty and Mark Vientos. Vientos is capable of seeing time at first base and should receive at-bats in the DH role, but Baty, New York's primary third baseman in 2025, was displaced by Bichette's arrival and figures to be heavily used as a DH as well.
MORE: Breaking down the Dodgers' payroll with Kyle Tucker
What position is Luis Robert?
Robert is a centerfielder and played 559 of his 577 career games in centerfield. He solves one major question for the Mets, giving New York a starting centerfielder who can play the position well.
Staying healthy will be key for Robert, as he has battled injuries throughout his career and missed more than 50 games in four of the last five seasons. If Robert misses any time, Tyrone Taylor would be next in line for an everyday role.
Luis Robert trade details
- Mets receive: OF Luis Robert
- White Sox receive: INF Luisnagel Acuna, RHP Truman Pauley
Luis Robert contract
Robert is playing on a $20 million club option in 2026 and has a $20 million club option for 2027 as well. If the Mets decline Robert's 2027 option, they will owe him a $2 million buyout.
The White Sox surprised some by exercising Robert's option in hopes of finally trading him after multiple years of rumors and a pair of underwhelming seasons, but they got a deal done and now have the Mets on the hook for at least one year of the centerfielder's deal.