The Chicago White Sox should have traded centerfielder Luis Robert Jr. when he was an All-Star two years ago but decided to keep him in hopes of building his value even more.
Unfortunately for Robert and the White Sox, Robert had a bad 2024 season and is even worse this season.
Yet, despite hitting just .190 this season, NY Post’s Jon Heyman reported that eight teams have checked in on the struggling outfielder.
“He's one of the worst qualified hitters in the game, especially when it comes to facing right-handed pitchers,” wrote FanSided’s Christopher Kline. “And yet, "eight teams have checked in" on Robert, per NY Post's Jon Heyman. The 27-year-old still has plenty of front offices thinking along the lines of "we can fix him.”
Robert, 27, has nine home runs and 35 RBI while slashing just .190/.275/.325 in 79 games this season.
Robert is a very talented player when he’s right, but he just hasn’t done anything offensively the last two seasons.
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In 2023, Robert was selected to represent the White Sox in the All-Star Game and mashed 38 home runs with 80 RBI while slashing .264/.315/.542 in 145 games.
The San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, Kansas City Royals and Los Angeles Dodgers are potential fits for Robert, according to Heyman.
Chicago is rumored to be willing to eat some money on Robert’s contract in order to move him.
“The White Sox are apparently willing to give up some money to help move Robert's expiring contract, which does include $20 million club options for 2026 and 2027,” wrote Kline. “Once upon a time, those extra years of club control were viewed as a huge selling point. Now it's unclear if Robert can generate anything close to the necessary impact to earn that 2026 paycheck, even in a new situation.”
Robert could just need a change of scenery, and at this time, it shouldn’t cost teams much to pry Robert from Chicago.
More MLB: Did Cubs reveal trade deadline plans by using first two draft picks on outfielders?