With the Chicago White Sox out of playoff contention for months, outfielder/DH Luis Robert Jr. has been at the center of trade rumors.
But even though Robert could fetch a haul, from an offense-hungry club like the New York Mets, the White Sox are unlikely to deal Robert before the 6 p.m. MLB Trade Deadline according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.
Robert is in the last season of a six-year, $50 million contract signed before the 2020 season, but he has two club options for 2026 and 2027 at $20 million per year.
Despite sitting ninth in the majors in stolen bases (27), the 2023 All-Star is having a down season, with just 11 home runs and 43 RBIs and a career-low OPS+ of 82.
Still, after a dreadfully slow start — he was hitting .177 as recently as June 2 — Robert has heated up over the past 34 games, where he is slashing .273/.352/.459 with six home runs and 16 runs scored.
Why Are The White Sox Hanging On To Luis Robert?
With the White Sox out of contention, they were reportedly trying to parlay Robert to speed up their rebuild — especially amid a seller’s market.
The Mets, San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies reportedly were engaged in talks with the White Sox. But, according to Feinsand, they did not want to part with precious prospects, especially if they did not want to exercise his pricey options years — the Phillies pivoted to Harrison Bader, who they acquired from the Minnesota Twins on Thursday.
“It seems that other teams liked Robert, but didn’t love him enough to meet Chicago’s asking price to this point,” Feinsand shared on X (formerly Twitter). “The two $20 million club options for 2026 and 2027 complicate things to an extent, as some suitors may look at him as a rental while the White Sox do not.”
Feinsand reported on MLB Network’s trade-deadline show that the White Sox still believe in Robert, especially given his recent hot streak. He also shared that Robert could be a part of Chicago’s long-term plans, since he has the team options.
“They would probably pick up that $20 million option for next season and hope what they’ve seen over the past month is what they get in the future,” Feinsand said on MLB Network, “that 2023 All-Star-type player that they had during his big 38-home run breakout season.
“Not a lock that he doesn’t get traded, but it is trending in that direction.”
Who Will The Chicago White Sox Trade At The Deadline?
The White Sox moved Austin Slater to the New York Yankees on Wednesday, and even if Robert does not get dealt, there are a couple of rental players they could still move before 6 p.m. ET.
Right-hander Adrian Houser was scratched from his start Wednesday amid trade rumors, since the starter is 6-2 with a 2.10 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 11 starts. He also will be a free agent after this season.
Aside from Houser, Chicago has two relievers, Miguel Castro and Tyler Alexander, on expiring contracts and could deal either, or both, especially amid the bull relief-pitching market. Castro is a veteran with playoff experience, but his numbers (7.50 ERA, 1.67 WHIP in six games) could scare some teams off.
Veteran Aaron Civale, who the White Sox acquired from Milwaukee in June, also has an expiring contract that could be dealt. Civale is 1-4 with a 4.10 ERA in eight starts since the trade.
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