Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. is an obvious trade candidate after the White Sox decided to pick up his $20 million option for 2026, but will they actually be able to find a home for him?
Right now, it’s looking quite difficult because of Robert’s salary.
The White Sox engaged in trade discussions with the New York Mets regarding Robert, but Jon Heyman of The New York Post has reported that talks stalled because the Mets wanted Chicago to pay down some of Robert’s $20 million price for next season.
As of right now, the White Sox do not appear to have any interest in doing that, which could make it rather challenging to move Robert this winter.
How motivated are the White Sox to trade Luis Robert Jr.?
There was a time when Robert was one of the top up and coming outfielders in all of baseball. Back in 2023, he made the All-Star team after smashing 38 home runs to go along with an .857 OPS, and he also played tremendous outfield defense.
However, the last couple of years, Robert’s value has plummeted.
The 28-year-old slashed .224/.278/.379 with 14 homers and 35 RBI in 2024, and this past season, his numbers were nearly identical, as he slashed .223/.297/.364 with 14 long balls and 53 RBI. His defense in center field has remained impressive, but also not exactly what it was in 2023.
Robert has two years of club control remaining, as he has another $20 million team option for 2027. So essentially, the Mets — or any other interested team — could view him as a rental.
When you consider Robert’s declining production and couple that with the fact that he is owed a substantial amount of money next season, the White Sox will either have to lower their demands or give in and pay some of his salary.
Whether or not they are actually willing to do that remains to be seen.
White Sox reveal crystal clear stance on nonsensical trade talks
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