Sports Radio Host Praises Luis Robert Jr.'s Fresh Start with Mets

Evan Roberts believes the All-Star outfielder looks 'rejuvenated' after leaving the 'White Sox penitentiary'.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 10:36am

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the dynamic motion of a baseball player's swing, with sharp planes of vibrant colors like royal blue, crimson red, and golden yellow, conceptually representing the fresh start and renewed energy of Luis Robert Jr. with the New York Mets.A cubist interpretation of Luis Robert Jr.'s rejuvenated play with the Mets, capturing the dynamic energy of his swing and the fresh start he's found in New York.Chicago Today

Sports radio host Evan Roberts of WFAN is delighted with the impressive start Luis Robert Jr. is making with the New York Mets. Roberts believes the All-Star slugger is starting to enjoy playing baseball again after coming out of the Chicago White Sox, saying Robert Jr. feels rejuvenated in New York after coming out of a 'penitentiary' in Chicago.

Why it matters

Robert Jr. was once one of the best young players in baseball with the White Sox, but his performance declined in recent years as the team struggled. His trade to the Mets represents a fresh start, and the early returns suggest he may be regaining his All-Star form.

The details

Luis Robert Jr. signed a six-year, $50 million deal with the White Sox before making his MLB debut in 2020. He enjoyed his best campaign in 2023 when he hit 38 home runs and posted 5.3 bWAR, but his offensive production declined considerably over the past two years. The Mets traded for Robert Jr. from the White Sox in January, with Luisangel Acuna and Truman Pauley heading the other way. He will earn $20 million this year and has another $20 million club option on his contract for the following season.

  • Robert Jr. made his MLB debut with the White Sox in 2020.
  • He had his best season in 2023, hitting 38 home runs.
  • The Mets traded for Robert Jr. from the White Sox in January 2026.

The players

Luis Robert Jr.

A 28-year-old outfielder who was once one of the best young players in baseball with the Chicago White Sox, but saw his performance decline in recent years.

Evan Roberts

A sports radio host on WFAN who is delighted with Robert Jr.'s impressive start with the New York Mets.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets, who has praised the adjustments Robert Jr. has made to improve his plate discipline.

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What they’re saying

“Just that look on his face. That looks like a man that has just been freed from prison. That looks like a man who's been told, 'You have a new lease on life.' Because here's this incredibly talented guy that was in the Chicago White Sox penitentiary.”

— Evan Roberts, Sports Radio Host

“I mean, historically, he's been a chaser, right? We know he's going to chase. But then you watch that at-bat. For him to lay off that 3-2 breaking ball—for me, that whole inning was about that Luis Robert at-bat.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets Manager

What’s next

The Mets will continue to monitor Robert Jr.'s progress and hope he can regain his All-Star form as they aim to compete for a playoff spot in the National League East.

The takeaway

This trade represents a fresh start for Luis Robert Jr., who struggled with the White Sox in recent years. If he can recapture his previous success, it could be a major boost for the Mets as they look to build a contender in the NL East.