As the White Sox continue to shop around Garrett Crochet, with the Phillies engaging in “extensive” talks, the team also has aspirations to trade their center fielder.
In his pre-Thanksgiving column, Bob Nightengale of USA Today said that Chris Getz and Co. would “love to” trade Luis Robert Jr. before dealing Crochet. Rumors surrounding Robert Jr. have been relatively quiet this offseason thus far, though could pick up steam with the Winter Meetings just a couple of weeks away.
Since Robert Jr. has three cost-controlled years remaining on his deal, it’s time to figure out whether or not he can fit into a potential contention window. The problem with trying to move the former All-Star, if electing to go that route, is that he has only played over 100 games once in his five seasons on the South Side. His health has become a valid concern for inquiring teams, as the once highly touted prospect now has six IL stints dating back to 2021.
“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.”
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. This type of production won’t generate much interest in itself, but Robert Jr. still possesses the type of upside that interested teams could be willing to take a chance on.
Given his recent injury history, it’s unclear what Robert Jr.’s realistic asking price will be, though it’s evident the White Sox won’t sell low. The organization 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. Only time will tell if the Sox can find anyone willing to meet their high price tag before Opening Day.
While nothing is currently close on a trade front involving Robert Jr. or Crochet, the White Sox will continue to be at the center of rumors leading up to this year’s Winter Meetings. The annual convention will take place from December 8-12, 2025.
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Featured Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
