When the Chicago White Sox dealt starting pitcher Dylan Cease to the San Diego Padres before the 2024 season, All-Star outfielder Luis Robert was immediately mentioned in MLB rumors. Chicago kept him through an injury-plagued season and appears to be firm about its asking price for him.
Robert, 27, was one of baseball’s most productive daily players two years ago. He concluded the 2023 season with career highs in doubles (36), home runs (38), RBI (80), steals (20), and WAR (5.1), as well as an OPS of.857. Even though the front staff knew it was about to rebuild, Chicago did not trade Robert, who had just had his best season.
Luis Robert deal (Spotrac): $15 million salary in 2025, $20 million club option in 2026, and $20 million club option in 2027.
The decision was costly. Robert appeared in only 100 games this season, missing nearly two months of action due to a flexor strain. When Robert returned to the White Sox lineup, he was unable to replicate his success from the 2023 season, finishing the year with the lowest stats of his major-league career.
With All-Star pitcher Garrett Crochet constantly referenced in MLB rumors and set to be dealt this summer, Robert has received far less attention. Part of the reason for this appears to be the position the White Sox created and how they still see their 27-year-old outfielder. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the White Sox “would love to unload” Robert before trading Crochet. However, while MLB teams admire the outfielder’s raw potential, his inability to remain healthy and Chicago’s exorbitant asking price are impeding a deal.
The guy is obviously intriguing, but he comes at a steep price. You just hope he stays healthy and becomes the player everyone expected him to be. But the White Sox are acting as if he’s a big star center fielder and are asking for your best prospects.”
Luis Robert statistics (ESPN):.224/.278/.379,.657 OPS, 14 home runs, 23 stolen bases, and 19 doubles.
The White Sox appear to be seeking the same sky-high price for Robert as they did last season, when he blasted 48 home runs and appeared in 145 games. Even yet, teams were unwilling to satisfy that demand for a player who has only played over 100 games in his MLB career and has three seasons with an OPS below.800. Until Chicago reduces its demands, Robert will most likely stay with the White Sox.
