Luis Robert Jr. makes spring debut with Mets banking on health

Outfielder looks to bounce back after injury-plagued seasons with White Sox

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:36pm

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Luis Robert Jr., one of the Mets' projected Opening Day starters, made his spring training debut on Thursday after being slow-played this preseason to strengthen his lower body and avoid further leg injuries. The 28-year-old outfielder, acquired in a January trade, is looking to regain the form that saw him finish 12th in AL MVP voting in 2023 when he hit .264 with 38 home runs and 80 RBIs for the White Sox.

Why it matters

Robert's health will be crucial for the Mets, who are banking on him to be a key part of their lineup alongside stars like Juan Soto and Bo Bichette. After injuries limited him to just 100 and 110 games the past two seasons, the Mets want to ensure Robert is fully ready for the long haul in 2026.

The details

Robert played five innings in center field on Thursday, going 1-for-3 in the Mets' 3-1 loss to the Cardinals. Manager Carlos Mendoza said there's a possibility Robert could play again on Friday, giving him back-to-back game action as the team looks to ramp up his playing time. The Mets acquired Robert in January, sending prospects Luisangel Acuña and Truman Pauley to the White Sox.

  • Robert made his spring training debut on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
  • Opening Day for the Mets is set for March 26, 2026.

The players

Luis Robert Jr.

A 28-year-old outfielder acquired by the Mets in a January trade with the White Sox, where he had two injury-plagued seasons after a breakout 2023 campaign.

Carlos Mendoza

The Mets' manager, who is overseeing Robert's slow ramp-up this spring to ensure he's healthy for the regular season.

Juan Soto

The Mets' star left fielder, who will be part of a talented supporting cast around Robert in the lineup.

Bo Bichette

Another key offensive piece in the Mets' lineup, who will provide protection for Robert.

Jorge Polanco

An infielder added to the Mets' lineup this offseason, giving Robert more star power around him.

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What they’re saying

“They explained to me that they wanted me to strengthen parts of my lower body that they thought were a little bit weaker. And then eventually I would progress to the point where I would be able to play games.”

— Luis Robert Jr. (New York Post)

“He's right where he needs to be. He's a healthy player. He was a healthy player when we got here. We just wanted to make sure that we needed to improve in certain areas, but as far as things we're going to be looking for, he's playing, so now it's just getting the back-to-back … and trying to get him up to seven, eight innings, hopefully a full game depending how the game goes.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager (New York Post)

“If we can keep this guy healthy, it's excellent. We saw it in 2023, he was, when healthy, one of the best players in the league. The tools are unbelievable. The guy can go get it in the outfield, he's got speed, can steal bases, can hit it as far as anybody in the game as well, so there is a lot to like. We have just got to keep him on the field.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager (New York Post)

“It feels good to be in a lineup like this. Just to have a lineup with so many stars is real exciting.”

— Luis Robert Jr. (New York Post)

“I think the year that I did play almost a full season, those numbers that I was able to put up, I think I can put up that type of year again, or even better.”

— Luis Robert Jr. (New York Post)

What’s next

The Mets will continue to monitor Robert's progress and ramp up his playing time in the coming days, with the goal of having him ready for Opening Day on March 26.

The takeaway

The Mets are taking a cautious approach with Robert this spring, prioritizing his long-term health over immediate spring training results. If they can keep the talented outfielder on the field for a full season, his production could be a major boost to an already star-studded Mets lineup.