The White Sox have two valuable trade assets entering next week’s Winter Meetings and haven’t come down on their price tag for either.
According to a new report from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Katie Woo, an anonymous rival executive said that Chicago is “rightly asking high” in trade discussions for starting pitcher Garrett Crochet. The same applies to Luis Robert Jr., though the lofty demands have led to some criticism given the center fielder’s recent injury history and poor 2024 campaign.
“I don’t think they understand what his value is,” the executive told The Athletic.
The White Sox reportedly “bristle at the notion they are overreaching,” a source told Rosenthal and Woo. The team isn’t said to be seeking multiple prospects but would like a “meaningful piece” in return since many suitors think they can acquire “something for nothing.” The White Sox are unwilling to lower their asking price and would likely rather hold onto Robert Jr. with the chance that he rebuilds his value rather than sell low right now.
This latest update comes after Bob Nightengale of USA Today said in his pre-Thanksgiving column that Chris Getz and Co. would “love to” trade Robert Jr. before dealing Crochet. Rumors surrounding Robert Jr. have been relatively quiet up to this point, which could be due partly to the package being requested in return.
“The guy is certainly intriguing,” one GM said, “but they’ve got a really high price tag on him. You’ve got to hope he finally stays healthy and can be the player everyone envisioned all along. But the White Sox are acting like he’s some big star center fielder and are asking for your top prospects.”
As the White Sox are seeing in their discussions with other clubs, there is concern about Robert Jr.’s health as the once highly touted prospect now has six IL stints dating back to 2021. This has led to him surpassing 100 games just once out of his five seasons on the South Side. He does still have three cost-controlled years left on his deal, however, which works in the Sox’s favor. The team has him under contract through the 2025 season at $15 million, with team-friendly club options of $20 million available for both 2026 and 2027.
During the 2024 season, Robert Jr. missed over two months with an early hip flexor strain and put up disappointing numbers once he returned in June. Across his 100 games, the Cuban slashed just .224/.278/.379 with a .657 OPS, 84 wRC+, and 14 home runs. While not appealing in itself, Robert Jr. has shown the type of player he can be when fully healthy and still possesses the type of upside that will keep interested teams in discussions.
While nothing is considered imminent on the trade front, the Sox will continue to field offers and remain at the center of rumors leading up to this year’s Winter Meetings. The annual convention will take place from December 9-12 in Dallas.
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Featured Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Not many CF come thru who are both Silver Slugger and Gold Glove winners.
As usual Getz & Co are being inept. The other professionally run MLB organizations are not going to pay premium rate for a player with Robert’s track record.
It’s obvious Robert wants out of the clown show that is the White Sox. The Sox & Robert need a divorce. If Robert stays, he will only continue his downward spiral. His value will only get worse.
I think he can salvage at his career… but not if remains. He wouldn’t be elite, but I still see him as an above average player… on the right team. The Sox damage is done. Keeping him does not make any sense. Inept Getz and Sox need be realistic and take what they can get.