Though the Chicago White Sox have had trade interest in their two young backstops, Edgar Quero and Kyle Teel, general manager Chris Getz is unlikely to trade away from his young core.
More News: Chicago White Sox GM Chris Getz acquires more talent in trades with the Red Sox and Rays
Despite there being interest in their catchers, the White Sox may have only one player on their major league roster who would draw any trade interest, and that’s Luis Robert Jr. Getz said they’re “not shopping him.” Still, he left the door open that he could be somewhere else if the deal is right.
Chris Getz isn’t “shopping” Luis Robert Jr. unless the deal is right
The White Sox made it clear before the offseason started that they would be picking up Robert Jr.’s $20 million club option, despite having his second straight down season. Essentially, on a one-year deal with another $20 million club option for 2027, the 2026 season will be a prove-it season for the 28-year-old former Silver Slugger and All-Star (2023).
Having a worse season in 2025 than in 2024, slashing .223/.297/.364 for an OPS of .661 in 110 games (10 more than 2024, 100), the White Sox have received little to no trade interest in Robert Jr. since the trade deadline. According to Getz, via MLB.com’s Scott Merkin, the White Sox aren’t “shopping” him, but would trade him if it “makes sense for both parties to work out a deal.”
“It’s very truthful that we are not shopping him, because we’re very comfortable having him in a White Sox uniform, knowing what he’s capable of doing. Now if it makes sense for both parties to work out a deal, then so be it. But we’re planning on him being in uniform for us next year,” Getz said to Merkin.
Getz on trade talk involving Luis Robert Jr.: "It’s very truthful that we are not shopping him, because we’re very comfortable having him in a White Sox uniform, knowing what he’s capable of doing. Now if it makes sense for both parties to work out a deal, then so be it …
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) November 19, 2025
More Getz on Robert: ".. But we’re planning on him being in uniform for us next year."
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) November 19, 2025
The White Sox need to cut ties with Luis Robert Jr.
Other than outfielders Andrew Benintendi (10 years) and Mike Tauchman (eight years), Robert Jr. has the third most service time on the team at six years. Owed the most on the team — Benintendi second at $17.1 million — Getz and the White Sox should consider cutting ties with the former 2020 Gold Glove winner and getting whatever they can for them.
The White Sox can take a chance and hope that Robert Jr. starts the first half off on the right foot and stays healthy, to get more in return, but that’s unlikely given his recent track record.
Robert Jr. hit .161 with an OPS of .310 and struck out 34 times in 87 at-bats last April, and appeared in four games in April 2024 due to a right hip flexor strain. Even in his All-Star season, Robert Jr. hit .202 with an OPS of .662 and struck out 28 times in 100 at-bats (27 games) in April.
Unlikely to be with the White Sox long term, and them needing to acquire more starting pitching to add to their young position player core, the White Sox could look to flip him to the New York Mets for right-hander Kodai Senga. Senga is under control for 2026 ($15 million) & 2027 ($15 million) with a club option for 2028 ($15 million).
Adding him would give the White Sox a solid arm to lead their young rotation, while helping the Mets fill their need in centerfield, which has been a problem for them.
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