The Chicago White Sox appear poised to retain outfielder Luis Robert Jr. as trade negotiations have not yielded an acceptable proposal ahead of the MLB trade deadline this afternoon, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez reports a similar situation, indicating that discussions around a possible Luis Robert Jr White Sox trade have reached an impasse.
Despite some teams expressing interest in Robert, the offers have not met the White Sox’s valuation, prompting the organization to consider holding onto the talented but injury-prone player. Their strategy now likely involves keeping Robert with the hope of triggering his $20 million club option for the 2026 season, a move that carries considerable risk given his recent on-field struggles and extended injury history.
Recent Performance Sparks Hope Amid Ongoing Concerns
Although Robert’s overall output in 2024 and early 2025 was disappointing, he has shown improvement recently. Over his last 123 plate appearances since early June, Robert has posted a productive slash line of .278/.361/.472, translating to a 130 weighted runs created plus (wRC+). This uptick followed a brief period where the White Sox rested him for three consecutive days as part of a mechanical reset to sharpen his approach at the plate.
While this improvement offers some optimism, the sample size remains limited, and Robert’s history of frequent injuries adds an element of uncertainty. If he can maintain health and build on these recent gains, his trade value could rise notably, making his $20 million club option a more viable financial commitment for Chicago.
Balancing Financial Risk with Player Potential
The White Sox face a difficult decision in deciding whether to pick up Robert’s option, which effectively nets to around $18 million after buyout considerations. Exercising the option could backfire if Robert’s performance declines again or if injury issues persist. Conversely, the club’s relatively clean payroll structure offers flexibility, and Robert would likely secure a significant contract elsewhere as a rebound candidate if Chicago chooses not to retain him.
The team’s willingness to risk overpaying for 2026 reflects their desire to either increase Robert’s trade appeal toward the end of this season or capitalize early in the next season if he returns to peak form.
Market Movement and Stalled Negotiations with Other Teams
The Philadelphia Phillies, one of the teams previously linked to Robert, boosted their outfield by acquiring Harrison Bader from the Minnesota Twins earlier today, potentially dampening their appetite for Robert. Other interested teams have included the San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds, and New York Mets.
However, according to SNY’s Andy Martino, talks involving the Mets have recently stalled, further decreasing the likelihood of a trade before the deadline. This leaves the White Sox in a position where retaining Luis Robert Jr. appears to be their most probable course of action for now.
Implications for the White Sox and Robert’s Future
The outcome of this stalled trade process highlights the challenges the White Sox face with Luis Robert Jr., balancing the risk of his injury history against his potential to regain his top form. How Robert performs in the remaining months of this season will be crucial in shaping Chicago’s long-term plans, including whether they ultimately commit to his 2026 option or reconsider his role on the roster. For now, the Sox’s decision to hold onto him underscores an uneasy but calculated gamble on the talented outfielder’s rebound possibilities.