After six seasons anchoring the South Side organization from 2020 to 2025, the outfielder admitted the homecoming carried surreal undertones. The veteran outfielder noted that walking through the visitors’ entrance felt foreign after spending his entire time with the White Sox wearing a uniform.
“It feels great to return, but at the same time, it feels a little weird coming through the way of the visitors. It feels a little strange, it feels a little bit foreign. But I’m very excited to be back.”
Luis Robert Jr., New York Mets outfielder, via Chicago Tribune
Reflecting on Highs, Lows, and a Beautiful Journey in Chicago
Robert’s tenure in Chicago encompassed dramatic shifts in fortunes for both player and franchise. During his six years with the club, he slashed .259/.313/.455 with 115 doubles, 102 home runs, 298 RBIs, and 102 stolen bases across 577 games. His defensive prowess earned him a Gold Glove Award in 2020, while his standout 2023 campaign saw him named an American League All-Star after hitting 38 home runs and driving in 80 runs.
Team success, however, proved volatile. The White Sox reached the postseason in each of his first two seasons, capturing a division title in 2021. Yet the subsequent years brought historic struggles, including 100-loss seasons in each of his final three campaigns and a modern-era major-league record 121 defeats in 2024. Despite the sharp downturn, Robert looks back at his formative years with appreciation.
Rejoining Former Teammates and Managerial Praise
The return offered warm reunions with former colleagues who leaned on Robert during turbulent clubhouse periods. Third baseman Miguel Vargas, acquired by the White Sox in July 2024, credited Robert with easing his transition to a new team. First guy to text me when I got traded here,
Vargas said, adding that Robert remains a brother to him personally beyond baseball.
White Sox manager Will Venable also praised Robert’s work ethic and impact. Venable noted that Robert brought immense talent and a deep passion for the game every time he stepped on the field. That sentiment was echoed by Mets interim manager Andy Green, who observed before the series opener that almost every player returning to the organization that developed them wants to show out.
Turning Boos Into Power Display on the South Side
Robert turned those expectations into reality during Saturday night’s 10-5 win, punishing his former team with two towering home runs that drew boos from the Rate Field crowd. In the third inning, he crushed a two-run shot off Luis Castillo a Statcast-projected 405 feet over the right-center-field fence. Four innings later, he added a 417-foot solo shot to left field off former teammate Huascar Brazobán.
“It feels good to hit homers against any team, but I will say, it did feel good to hit the home runs here, just because it was a stadium that I played so many games in — essentially my whole career.”
Luis Robert Jr., New York Mets outfielder, via Major League Baseball
Beyond his offensive output, Robert contributed defensively in left field by cutting down Vargas at first base for an outfield assist—a play he ranked above his home runs in personal significance. Mets interim manager Andy Green expressed satisfaction with the performance, noting that Robert put two strong swings on the ball when given the opportunity.
Navigating Injury Setbacks and Looking Toward Free Agency
The powerful display in Chicago highlights a late-season surge for a player who spent significant time sidelined this year. After joining the Mets via a January trade that sent infielder/outfielder Luisangel Acuña and minor-league right-hander Truman Pauley to Chicago, Robert suffered a lumbar spine disc herniation during a preseason program. The injury kept him sidelined from April 30 until July 20.
With everyday roles in the Mets’ outfield firmly established by younger contributors, the club is nearly certain to decline the $20 million team option on Robert’s contract, setting him up to enter free agency for the first time in his career. As he works to finish the campaign strong, Robert maintains a singular focus on rediscovering his peak form.
“Right now, the most important thing for me is to finish the season strong and just go out there and just try to be the best version of myself.”
Luis Robert Jr., New York Mets outfielder, via Major League Baseball
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