The New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles have a recent history of working together on trades, completing separate deals in 2025 that sent reliever Gregory Soto and later center fielder Cedric Mullins to New York.
Those transactions cost the Mets five prospects, some of whom have already reached the major leagues with mixed results.
As this year’s trade deadline approaches, Baltimore once again finds itself in need of outfield help. Entering July 20 just two games out of an American League Wild Card spot, the Orioles could look to add talent if they remain in contention.
One player who could fit their needs is Mets outfielder Luis Robert Jr., who has quietly emerged as a potential trade candidate.
Robert was acquired by New York during the offseason in a deal that primarily served as a salary-clearing move for his former club.
The Mets surrendered only Luisangel Acuña and prospect Truman Pauley to complete the trade, limiting the pressure to recoup significant value if they decide to move him.
However, Robert’s trade value will depend heavily on whether he can stay healthy and perform over the next few weeks.
A potential match between the Mets and Orioles could involve Baltimore sending pitching prospect Patrick Reilly to New York in exchange for Robert.
Reilly, a 24-year-old right-hander ranked among the Orioles’ top prospects, has spent much of the season on the injured list but recently returned to action on a rehab assignment.
Despite limited professional experience, he has shown promise, posting a 3.29 ERA and an impressive strikeout rate in Double-A.
The proposed deal makes sense for both sides. Baltimore would address its need for outfield help with a player who still possesses considerable talent when healthy, while the Mets would acquire a young pitcher with upside and years of team control.
Reilly’s injury history also fits the profile of players New York has targeted in recent years—talented prospects whose development has been slowed more by health issues than performance.
The biggest obstacle could be finances. With Robert carrying a significant salary, both teams would need to determine how much money the Mets are willing to absorb to facilitate a trade.
Given Robert’s injury concerns and inconsistent availability, his market may be limited, making a deal like this one a realistic possibility if both clubs are willing to compromise.
