White Sox ‘actively seeking’ trade packages for Luis Robert Jr.: Report originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
The White Sox appear poised for a second straight busy MLB trade deadline as they are rumored to be active sellers in late July.
But this one might sting a little more.
Jon Heyman of the NY Post reported Thursday that there’s a good chance the White Sox will trade their center: Luis Robert Jr.
“The White Sox are actively seeking packages for Robert, and with two team options for a club-friendly $20 million and just $63 million through 2027 (assuming the options are exercised), he combines control and talent like no other.” ‘, Heyman writes. “Concerns about injury history are the negative noise. But many need outfielders (Dodgers, Phillies, Royals, etc.). Opportunities to be dealt: good.”
For reference, Heyman has laid out a key to each player’s trading opportunities at the top of his report. “(With chances of being shared: good = more than 50 percent, average = 50 percent, fair = less than 50 percent).” Therefore, Heyman believes there is a chance that Robert Jr. is traded is greater than 50%.
At the last trade deadline, the White Sox dismantled most of their active roster. They traded Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez, Jake Burger, Lance Lynn, Joe Kelly, Keynan Middleton and Kendall Gravemen. They went ahead in the offseason and took away the club options for Tim Anderson and Liam Hendriks.
But GM Chris Getz doesn’t seem satisfied with the basics yet. Not only is it rumored that Robert Jr. is on the trade block, but the Padres have also shown interest in Garrett Crochet.
But trading Robert Jr. is different. After the initial teardown, the prevailing belief was that the All-Star midfielder would likely avoid treatment and remain part of the core foundation through the South Side’s rebuild.
The 26-year-old is in the prime of his career, coming off a 2023 season that saw him earn his second All-Star title and his first Silver Slugger award. Unfortunately, a hip flexor strain has limited him to just ten games this season. And injuries are not uncommon in his career, as the 2023 season marked his first appearance in more than 100 games.
Still, his contract situation is relatively friendly. He expects to make $12.5 million this year and $15 million next year. The White Sox also own club options for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. Overall, Robert Jr.’s value as a defenseman, versatile hitter and base stealer makes him an attractive addition.
However, I’m not so sure the White Sox moved him so quickly. When the White Sox actively acquired Dylan Cease earlier this season, they were stingy with the price and wouldn’t let their ace go to another team without a hefty price tag.
They sent him to the Padres at the start of the season and got pitching prospects Drew Thorpe and Jairo Iriarte, the No. 5 and No. 8 picks in the Padres system. They also received 29-year-old reliever Steven Wilson and 19-year-old outfielder Samuel Zavala, the latter of whom is the No. 7 prospect in the Padres system.
For Robert Jr. Getz would have to pay a high price for his services. Based on the way the White Sox GM handled the Cease trade, it would make sense if the front office was hesitant to shake hands on a trade for unquestionably their most valuable player.
The MLB trade deadline is July 30, so there’s plenty of time for teams to get their ducks in a row. Stay tuned.
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