As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Chicago White Sox are facing a potential conundrum with outfielder Luis Robert Jr. Despite his high potential, the team is cautious about trading him away, fearing they might “be selling low if and when they do,” according to The Athletic’s MLB trade deadline reporting team of Ken Rosenthal, Patrick Mooney, and Katie Woo.
Concerns around Robert’s health and performance are notable. The outfielder has recently returned from a hip flexor strain that kept him out of play for 53 games. Since his return on June 4, Robert’s performance has been less than stellar, with a batting line of .191/.301/.476. He has hit five home runs and seven RBI, but his 25 strikeouts against only 10 walks reflect a troubling trend. “Robert’s frequent injuries, low walk and high strikeout rates are a concern for interested clubs,” the Athletic’s team notes.
Despite these issues, Robert remains a sought-after player, thanks to his impressive track record last season, which included 38 homers and 20 stolen bases. However, his recent struggles have cooled the market somewhat. “Teams likely will want to see more before giving up what the White Sox want for a player,” the reporting team adds.
Financially, Robert is owed the remainder of his $12.5 million salary for 2024, with a $15 million due in 2025. His contract also includes $20 million club options for 2026 and 2027, offering further flexibility for interested teams.
The Athletic has linked several teams to potential interest in Robert, with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Seattle Mariners specifically mentioned. Furthermore, several other teams have reportedly engaged with the White Sox regarding a possible trade, signaling a broader market interest.
In addition to Robert, other White Sox players such as Garrett Crochet, Michael Kopech, and Tommy Pham are also generating trade buzz. This indicates a possibly active trade deadline period for the White Sox as they assess their roster and consider strategic moves to optimize their team composition for future seasons.