Acuña is the major piece that the White Sox are getting back. As an infielder, Acuña was part of the glut of major-league infield talent that the Mets simply could not keep on the big-league roster.
Acuña, like Robert, struggled at the plate in 2025, slashing .234/.293/.274 for an OPS of .567. He tallied just seven doubles and no homers in 175 at-bats. However, he is still valuable with his legs, as he went 16-for-17 on steal attempts last season, and is a more than capable infielder at second base and shortstop. Acuña has also logged time in center field in his career.
It has been reported that Acuña has experimented with a new hitting approach this winter in the Venezuelan Winter League. A few weeks ago, Acuña blasted four home runs in a game, a feat never before accomplished in the league’s 80-year history.
The final piece in the deal, Pauley, is a 22-year-old right-hander who was drafted in the 12th round in 2025 out of Harvard. In 4 ⅓ innings at Single-A Port St. Lucie, Pauley pitched to a 2.08 ERA.
To downsize the player capital that they were forced to give up, the Mets are taking on all of the $22 million that Robert is owed. At $20 million annually, New York will have a club option decision to make after the 2026 season. If the Mets choose to cut ties with their new center fielder, they would be forced to pay a $2 million buyout.
Additionally, it is hard to believe that New York would continue to pursue Cody Bellinger. Not only would a long-term deal handcuff Stearns and company financially, but it would also block outfielder Carson Benge, Just Baseball’s No. 15 overall prospect, who is said to have a legitimate shot to be in the Opening Day starting nine.