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The Chicago White Sox made one of the most significant moves in the market this Tuesday by trading Cuban center fielder Luis Robert Jr. to the Mets for infielder Luisángel Acuña and right-handed pitcher Truman Pauley, as initially reported by Jeff Passan of ESPN.
The transfer marks the end of nearly a decade for Robert Jr. within the Chicago organization, which officially signed him on May 27, 2017, as one of the most sought-after international prospects of his generation, according to journalist Francys Romero on the social network Facebook.
Since then, the player from Pinar del Río became one of the key offensive figures for the White Sox, despite seasons marked by injuries and the team's ups and downs.
During his time with the south side Chicago team, Luis Robert Jr. hit 102 home runs, placing him 23rd in the franchise's history and establishing him as one of the most impactful hitters in recent years for the organization. In recent months, several teams have expressed interest in acquiring him amid a deep restructuring process for the White Sox, according to Romero himself.
For the New York Mets, the arrival of the Cuban player represents a bet on proven talent in Major League Baseball, with the ability to provide power, premium defense in center field, and speed, as long as he can stay healthy.
In return, Chicago is acquiring Luisángel Acuña, a young infielder with promise and the brother of star Ronald Acuña Jr., along with right-handed pitcher Truman Pauley, as part of their reconstruction plan.
On the international stage, Robert Jr. represented Cuba in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, being one of the team's most important offensive players. However, looking ahead to the 2026 World Baseball Classic, the outfielder decided to step aside and not join the national team again.
With this trade, a significant chapter closes for one of the most talented Cuban players of his generation, while he embarks on a new stage in New York, where expectations will be high and the environment demanding.
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