The last few years have not been too kind to the Chicago White Sox and their fanbase. Since 2023, they have failed to even post a.380 winning percentage as they struggled mightily.
However, there were some things to be excited about last season. Colson Montgomery, the club's top prospect, made his debut in July and flashed his potential. They followed that up with a solid offseason so far.
They signed Munetaka Murakami on a two-year deal, and signed Anthony Kay and Sean Nerwcomb to deals as well. They had a great time signing international players, coming to terms with Fernando Graterol, widely considered the No. 1 catcher in the 2026 international class. They also signed top-tier arm, Roderic Ramirez, and outfielder Sebastian Romero.
MORE: White Sox quietly sign ex-Blue Jays, Pirates reliever
The major reason why Luis Robert Jr. Could be a massive trade target
The White Sox are not expected to contend this season, but they should be much easier to watch. However, that could come crashing down once the season picks up and the trade market starts to heat up.
Luis Robert Jr., the club's standout outfielder, has been a trade target for the last two years now. But the White Sox have yet to deal him to another team.
With such a long way to go in their rebuild, MLB.com's Mark Feinsand believes this could be the season where the White Sox move on from the former Gold Glove Award winner.
"Robert completed his six-year, $50 million deal last season, but Chicago exercised the first of its two $20 million club options, bringing the 28-year-old back for another season. With an identical option available for 2027, a trade would offer an acquiring club two years of control, and while the White Sox have made some nice moves this offseason, Robert doesn't figure to be around by the time they are ready to contend."
For a team targeting Robert, they would get two full years of control before he is expected to head to free agency. That could be enough for a contending team to shell out a great package of prospects and give no choice but for the White Sox to accept the offer.
However, he may need to come out and have a strong spring to make that happen. He has taken a step back from the 2023 season, where he mashed 38 home runs, and some teams may not be as high on him as they were just a few seasons ago.
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