Manager Carlos Mendoza chose to stick with Bo Bichette at third base, meaning Vientos will remain out of the lineup. With no health concerns, whatsoever, the decision ultimately comes down to Mendoza’s preference and strategy. Vientos may get his chance later in the road trip, though. Especially if New York faces a left-handed pitcher on the mound.

As for Robert Jr., his absence from the lineup is a tougher one to digest for Mets fans. Robert Jr. has the best batting average (.455) of any player to appear in all three games so far this season for New York. His average is only surpassed by Vientos and Torrens—1.000 and .500, though in one and two appearances, respectively. With no reported injury or setback, Robert Jr. will miss the opening game of this series because of a coaching decision.

The Mets’ lineup to take on the Cardinals in their first game away from Citi Field is one that has several changes. Shortly after the Mets revealed Carson Benge and Brett Baty would change positions, Mendoza has put that strategy into practice. Baty will play on the right side of the outfield, and Benge will move to center-field, as the Orange and Blue adapt to a Robert-less lineup.

Robert Jr.’s stats in 2026

The sample size remains extremely small, but the former All-Star seems to be on a tear to start the 2026 MLB season. Robert Jr. is coming off a strong production against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates may not be the best competition in the league, but one must play whoever stands in front, and Robert Jr. did great against them.

The 28-year-old center-fielder recorded a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th inning in the second duel of the three-game series. He finished the series with three runs scored, five hits, and five RBIs. Moreover, he put up a .571 OBP, .727 SLG, and 1.299 OPS.

NY Mets at St. Louis Cardinals schedule

Robert Jr.—whose availability in recent MLB seasons has been hampered by injuries and setbacks—is not injured at the moment. Still, the Mets know the risk-reward balance is not in their favor. As a result, sidelining the 28-year-old outfielder early in the year appears to be the safest—and smartest—decision.

Addressing the news on his availability, Robert Jr. took to the podium at Port St. Lucie, Florida, and provided a clear update on where he stands and his thoughts on the organization’s call.

“That’s their plan,” Robert admitted, via MLB.com. “I know that that’s the type of process they have, and I trust in them and whatever they have, because they want what’s best for me.”

Robert Jr.’s contract

After trading for Robert Jr.—giving up infielder Luisangel Acuña and prospect Truman Pauley—the Mets acquired a key piece to bolster the garden at Citi Field. Signed to a six-year, $50 million contract, the Cuban outfielder’s stay in Queens could last one or two seasons.

Why? Because Robert’s contract includes a $20 million club option ahead of the 2027 MLB season. The Mets will make that decision based on Robert Jr.’s performance in 2026, so him being available to play day in and day out will be crucial. For him, the upcoming campaign will virtually be a contract year.

According to Rising Apple, the Mets wanting Luis Robert Jr. is real, but who they trade is the issue. It looked like the Mets were going to offer Mark Vientos but now it’s not possible. Vientos was an affordable 1B/DH whose 3B days seem to be a thing of the past. With the arrival of Murakami, the Vientos option is pretty much null.

It’s reported that the Mets are still interested, because otherwise it’s Carson Benge, Nick Morabito, and Jett Williams could be the prospects to play as infielders and Robert is a much better option, albeit a more expensive one.

Luis Robert Jr. has way more upside

Last season, Robert scored 52 runs, batted 85 hits, 14 home runs, 53 RBIs and also stole 33 bases. The former All Star could be a massive improvement on the Mets roster. Also, at 28 years old, he is still in his prime.

The White Sox were not good last year and having a big pay on Robert is not necessarily the best for the team right now. The Mets, otherwise, have much more bigger expectations, and can afford Robert even if they are nearing their payroll limits.

The Mets need to bounce back

Last season, the Mets had a historic collapse after the All Star Break. They were one of the best teams in the MLB, and ended up out of the playoffs altogether. Then, they have lost key players in the offseason.

New York must bounce back from a terrible last few months. The Mets are under much duress and it’s a cloudy horizon what they have in front of them. This latest setback is just another roadblock for them to face.

Of course, if the Phillies manage to trade for Luis Robert Jr. this could change in a beat. However, according to Erik Kratz of Foul Territory, Justin Crawford will be at center field and that’s his “job to lose.” Kratz stated that “pretty reliable sources” confirmed this news.

With the Robert Jr. situation, the Phillies have fierce competition as the New York Mets are also really interested in acquiring his services. Hence, while that is resolved, Crawford should be poised for a huge leap in importance.

Crawford has some hype to live up to

Drafted in the first round of the 2022 MLB June Amateur Draft by the Phillies, Crawford has been in the minor leagues and this could be the chance to breakout this season. Crawford had 147 hits last season with seven home runs.

Fielding, he played at both center and left field, occupying the center field for the majority of the time. At center field, he had 135 putouts, five assists, three errors, and one double play turned.

Trusting Crawford would be a massive hit or miss move

If Crawford works out, the Phillies would have nailed a first round pick and also get a cheap solution to the outfield doubts. That is the best-case scenario for the Phillies, though it’s easier said than done.

As for the miss part, if they trust Crawford and it doesn’t work out, the fans won’t be happy.The team would be forced to get an expensive trade and most big names won’t be available. Hence, it’s a big coin flip on their hands.

We all know the superstars that are supposed to dominate the game right out of the gate. But what about those prospects who continue to thrive in minor league systems and look ready to prove their worth at the next level?

Even though this will be a shortened season, it’s likely that some young talents are given the chance to get some MLB experience. That’s why today, we’re going to let you know about the top 10 prospects to keep an eye on in 2020.

10. Dylan Carlson, OF – St. Louis Cardinals

Dylan Carlson may have to wait a while before getting the call to join the St. Louis Cardinals given their depth at the outfield spots but given his power and switch-hitting ability, we know he’ll be ready to take the plate at any time.

Carlson’s defense is still a work in progress but there’s no denying his ability to make contact and send the ball to the opposite field. He broke out last year in both AA and AAA and the Cardinals are really high on him going forward.

9. Deivi García, RHP – New York Yankees

The Dominican pitcher has been a rising star and a top-notch prospect since signing with the New YorkYankees in 2015. Now, it seems like Deivi García is finally ready to take the mound for the Bronx Bombers in 2020.

García struggled early on in training camp but the talent and upside areclearly there. He’s expected to join the Yankees’ bullpen at some point in the season. He’s got a mean curveball and quite a versatile arsenal, so he could end up even making the team’s rotation.

8. Julio Rodríguez, OF- Seattle Mariners

Julio Rodríguez has had some recent physical struggles so the Seattle Mariners are likely to go easy on him. Still, he’s expected to make the opening day roster and become a full-time player for the team right away.

Rodríguez is considered the best prospect in the Mariners’ organization after posting a.326/.390/.540 slash line last year in the minor leagues. He’s pretty confident in his game and will be a very fun player to watch this season.

7. MacKenzie Gore, LHP – San Diego Padres

We’ve been waiting for this moment for the past three years but now it seems like MacKenzie Gore is finally ready to take the mound for the San Diego Padresafter posting a whopping 1.02 ERA in the California League. That granted him a promotion to the AA affiliate.

Gore continues to rise as one of the most promising lefties in the game. ThePadres’ bullpen enters the season a bit banged up and they’re not likely to contend anywayso there’s no reason to think he couldn’t join the team at some point of the season.

6. Adley Rutschman, C – Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles draftedAdley Rutschman with the first overall pick of the 2019 MLB Draft so perhaps it’s still too soon to give him the nod. However, he’s looked more than ready during camp and his team is projected to be near the bottom of the standings this season.

Rutschman has proven to be a great defender with a strong arm. He’s also a switch hitter with a great feel for contact and can bat to the opposite field almost at will. He’s a pretty well round-up catcher and the Orioles might as well give him a long leash right away.

5. Jarred Kelenic, OF – Seattle Mariners

New York Mets fans may hate to hear this butJarred Kelenic is going to be a star. The Mariners were thrilled to get him in the Robinson Canó deal and have watched him dominate at every minor league level as both a batter and playmaker in the outfield.

It’s pretty clear that Kelenic still needs to work on his timing and tame his aggressiveness in the plate to avoid striking out too often but once he starts to get a grip at MLB pitchers, he’ll be a deadly slugger for many years to come.

4. Nate Pearson, RHP – Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays have one of the most promising farm systems in the world right now. Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio, and now Nate Pearson could put them in a position to become a dynasty once they develop.

In fact, there’s a strong chance Pearson enters the year as part of the team’s rotation. His fastball can top 100 mph with ease and he’s coming off an impressive campaign with a2.30 ERA in AAA. The guy’s ready.

3. Jo Adell, OF – Los Angeles Angels

There have been some concerns regarding Jo Adell’s durability after his 2019 season was riddled by injuries. The Los Angeles Angels are stacked in the outfield but Adell’s power, athleticism, and ability to make contact will certainly make Joe Maddon grant him a couple of at-bats.

Jo isn’t the average slugger. Besides his superhuman strength, he’s also incredibly fast and he’ll definitely learn a thing or two from Albert Pujols or Mike Trout. Expect him to get the call f the Angels find themselves in a tough spot to compete early in the season.

2. Wander Franco, SS – Tampa Bay Rays

Wander Franco is the real deal. He’s the ultimate five-tool prospect and has a strong chance of becoming one of the best players in the world in little-to-no time. The only two things holding him back this year are his age (19) and the Rays’ plans to compete for a playoff berth.

Franco can do it all. He’s the kind of player that doesn’t strike out often and constantly challenges pitchers. Talent-wise, he may be the best player in this list by a long stretch, so hopefully, he’ll get the chance to prove it this year.

1. Luis Robert, OF – Chicago White Sox

Luis Robert is the ultimate athlete. He’s got an MLB-ready body already and has flat-out dominated at every single level of competitive baseball. He was expected to start the year as a starter for the ChicagoWhite Sox even before the shortened season.

Robert’s raw power is just off the charts. His athleticism and vertical leap make him a pure entertainer in the outfield and his instincts as a hitter will grant him a lot of success in The Big Show. Barring injury, he’s the leading candidate to win the Rookie of the Year award.