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Poll: When Should The White Sox Trade Luis Robert Jr.?

By Nick Deeds | May 7, 2025 at 6:42pm CDT

The White Sox entered the 2025 season having already moved one of their two most notable trade chips when Garrett Crochet was shipped to Boston in exchange for a four-prospect package led by catcher Kyle Teel. Center fielder Luis Robert Jr. is their other asset of note, and he remains in the organization despite talking to multiple clubs about a trade. The Dodgers, Reds, and Giants are all known to have engaged with Chicago about Robert’s services, with L.A. outfielder James Outman and Cincinnati infield prospect Edwin Arroyo among the names known to have been discussed as part of a return package.

Evidently, the White Sox didn’t receive an offer they found compelling enough to move Robert for, seeing as he still remains with the South Siders. Chicago bet on Robert to have a strong enough first half to increase his value ahead of the trade deadline, but the first few weeks of the season made that decision look like a potential mistake. On April 16, Robert was slashing a brutal .143/.234/.214, striking out at a 27.3% clip and hitting for virtually no power. That slow start prompted MLBTR’s Anthony Franco to take a look at Robert in a piece for front office subscribers, in which he noted that Robert was actually walking more often than ever before in his career but that his swing-and-miss profile still needed to be carried by significantly more power than he had shown to that point in the season.

Robert has answered that call. He clobbered a home run in Boston just three days later, and since then he’s hit an impressive .241/.371/.483 with four homers, two doubles, and an even better 17.1% walk rate. The 27-year-old’s overall slash line remains below average (86 wRC+) on the year, but a season-long 13.2% barrel rate, 14.3% walk rate, and .331 xwOBA all demonstrate that things are clearly moving in the right direction for the White Sox and their mercurial star. That’s not to say everything is going well, however; Robert’s strikeout rate has crept back up above 30% (31.4%), his in-zone contact rate is down relative to the last two years, and he’s making the most soft contact (27.0%) of his career.

The question for the White Sox now becomes how quickly they should look to get a deal done. If Robert’s recent stretch of success proves to be sustainable, it would make plenty of sense for the club to wait until closer to the trade deadline to move him. At that point, his overall season numbers would likely be back above average and teams may be willing to give up more for him. On the other hand, if the organization does not view Robert’s recent power surge and improved patience at the plate as particularly sustainable or they’re concerned about his recent uptick in strikeouts, perhaps there’s an argument to deal him now while he’s performing at an impactful level. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported over the weekend that if Robert’s recent hot streak continues, the club hopes to move him by Memorial Day.

Moving a piece with as much star power as Robert before the calendar even flips to June would be a bold move, but certainly not an unheard of one. After all, it was just last year that the Marlins moved Luis Arraez to the Padres in early May. Few executives in the game are as aggressive as San Diego’s A.J. Preller, but that doesn’t mean a deal is impossible. Perhaps the Giants are intrigued enough by their hot start to be more willing to pay for Robert than they were in the offseason, or recent injuries suffered by Tommy Edman and Teoscar Hernandez convince the Dodgers to swing a deal. The Reds have fallen below .500 after briefly fighting their way into a playoff spot last week in large part because of lackluster production from their outfield, which has an 88 wRC+ tied with Cleveland for the seventh-worst figure in the majors.

All three of those teams with past known interest in Robert have reasons to be more aggressive on him now than they were previously, and that ignores other teams that could have interest. The Rangers recently lost center fielder Leody Taveras on waivers and are looking for ways to snap the team out of an offensive funk, though they’d probably balk at taking on the remaining portion of his $15MM salary. The Mets have found plenty of early season success but can surely do better than Tyrone Taylor as an everyday center fielder. Atlanta and Kansas City are both trying to compete this year but have endured the two least-productive outfield mixes in the sport to this point in the year. If even one of those teams is willing to meet Chicago’s asking price, it’s fair to argue that risking injury or another cold streak isn’t worth the potential reward of a July bidding war. After all, the White Sox saw up close what can happen if you wait too long to trade a player last year, when they got only a token return for Eloy Jimenez, who eventually had his club option declined by the Orioles last winter and ended up in the Rays organization on a minor league deal.

How do MLBTR readers think the White Sox should proceed with Robert? Should they try and make a deal as soon as possible, or wait in hopes that an extended hot streak raises his value? Have your say in the poll below:

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75 Comments

  1. TrillionaireTeamOperator

    2 months ago

    I’m not even a White Sox fan and I know this Louis Robert saga has been ridiculous and needs to end- even if it means trading or releasing him or something.

    He’s been the biggest what if/bordeline DFA player and maybe a change of scenery is the solution, even as he’s mildly productive this year.

    3
    Reply
    • cr4

      2 months ago

      It’s abundantly clear it’s an effort problem the guy has shown he has the talent to be a top 5 hitter in the league maybe a change of scenery to a competitor brings it out of him but that’s a big risk considering the White Sox insane asking price

      2
      Reply
      • nrd1138

        2 months ago

        I think it is, but I think with a clean slate he flourishes. Remember this is a kid who came up with a manager who he likely connected with only to watch said manager get stabbed in the back by the owner and replaced him with a guy whose managing days were a decade prior and was clear he did not know how to work with the players. Couple that with the whole team underachieving partly due to the inept management and org decisions and I think a lot of the players just have a lot of apathy. Its sad that Robert is going as I think he still has a lot of talent that will make him a star, but not on this inept #$%^show of an org.

        Reply
    • vtadave

      2 months ago

      Yeah no chance they are releasing him. He’s hitting .297/.409/.568 with 8 SB in his last 11 games. Definitely holding on to him, but seems to be a decent chance he gets hurt again and crashes his value.

      1
      Reply
      • Phree4u

        2 months ago

        11 games you say? Might as well extend him for 11 years and 800 million dollars then.

        Reality check.

        If you can trade him for 2 prospects, you make that trade.

        6
        Reply
        • Dustyslambchops23

          2 months ago

          You want him to ignore 11 game sample size while you ignore his entire career lol

          He’s a year removed from a 5 win season as a 25 year old, they aren’t and should give him away.

          1
          Reply
        • ChiSox_Fan

          2 months ago

          He is already under team control for nearly 3 years.

          Reply
      • stymeedone

        2 months ago

        @vtadave
        Exactly! Trade him before he gets hurt. Cut your losses!

        1
        Reply
    • realsox

      2 months ago

      No, do Not trade Robert. He’s still young enough to be a critical element in the team’s rebuild. I’m so tired of scanning the rosters of other clubs and seeing former Sox players—all traded for “prospects”—performing well. You could make the best starting rotation in baseball by simply grouping five Sox castoffs—headed by Sale, Rodon, and Cease. And then there’s Giolito and Lopez to round out the starting five. Is there anyone who believes the Sox are somehow better off without them? No, quit trading good players for others who may, or may not, became, what, players as good as the ones being traded!?

      1
      Reply
    • JoeBrady

      2 months ago

      TrillionaireTeamOperator
      even if it means trading or releasing him or something.
      ===========================
      1-The saga doesn’t have to end.

      2-In what universe does a player who averages 4.9 bWAR/619 ABs get released?

      Reply
    • thecoffinnail

      2 months ago

      The guy is made of glass. They should take what they can get and move on. They signed him for next to nothing as an amateur. So, it’s not like they have any sort of big investment in him

      1
      Reply
  2. Lefty_Orioles_Fan

    2 months ago

    Well…when the Orioles offer the White Sox ….One Million Dollars in their best Dr Evil voice

    1
    Reply
    • sad tormented neglected mariners fan

      2 months ago

      One million dollars!?!? Even that’s too much for Baltimore

      4
      Reply
      • Phree4u

        2 months ago

        That’s too much for Robert.

        1
        Reply
        • thecoffinnail

          2 months ago

          One million pesos then…

          Reply
    • Boston’s Alignment

      2 months ago

      Can he pitch?

      1
      Reply
      • thecoffinnail

        2 months ago

        He can do whatever it takes to hit the IL. That about sums up his career.

        Reply
  3. causemonaught83

    2 months ago

    Three years ago.

    26
    Reply
    • Boston’s Alignment

      2 months ago

      Yo! 5 star post.

      1
      Reply
  4. runningwithnailclippers

    2 months ago

    What is he even worth? The Reds fanbase has been pretty hot over him for awhile, but is he still worth it? What would it take? Petty and Arroyo?

    Reply
    • Rowsdower

      2 months ago

      Robert hasn’t performed well enough for the Reds to offer that

      9
      Reply
    • cr4

      2 months ago

      It was reported by multiple creditable reds reporters the ask this off season was for Arroyo, Lowder and Petty or Stafura. Which sounds too insane to be true but the amount of reporters who corroborated makes me somewhat believe it. But at this point I don’t think he’s worth anyone of those guys one for one. It’s clear Robert does not care about the game or being productive maybe it’s just his environment but I’m willing to take that risk

      4
      Reply
      • cr4

        2 months ago

        I’m not willing*

        1
        Reply
      • Wire to wire 2024

        2 months ago

        I’m inclined to agree that any of those guys shouldnt be sent for the current vs of lrj, if he stays healthy and continues to improve maybe petty and some change idk.

        Reply
      • JoeBrady

        2 months ago

        It’s clear Robert does not care about the game
        =========================
        Does Robert have some behavioral problems of which I am not aware?

        3
        Reply
        • nrd1138

          2 months ago

          I think all he has is apathy (along with other players) being part of this clownshow of an org. I still think Robert can be a star with the right guidance and team playing for something other than trying to no lose another 100+ games in a season.

          Reply
  5. LordD99

    2 months ago

    Last year?

    7
    Reply
  6. denny816

    2 months ago

    Sox are light years away from winning anything so there is no reason to panic and trade him for a paltry return. If any club can afford to risk waiting, it’s this collection of Future DFA’s and bargain bin pickups.

    5
    Reply
    • Aiden Awe

      2 months ago

      I could see a scenario they could win 70 ish games in 2026, similar to 2019.

      4
      Reply
      • avenger65

        2 months ago

        Aiden: Just what would this scenario look like? With the roster they have and a crack development staff that has seen the regression of can’t-miss prospects Colas and Colson Montgomery into career minor leaguers along with Meidroth forgetting that you catch a pop up with your glove, not your head, 70 wins seems like at least a combined three year total.

        4
        Reply
    • nrd1138

      2 months ago

      The problem is that the Sox are also putting their ‘prospects’ into the big league club now and starting their service time clocks. So which is it: They are trying to do a quick rebuild or its going to be a long slow rebuild?

      Reply
  7. YankeesBleacherCreature

    2 months ago

    Not now at .188.

    5
    Reply
    • oldgfan

      2 months ago

      Ya, @ .188 good luck with that.

      Reply
  8. sufferforsnakes

    2 months ago

    They should trade him when he’s not on the IL.

    7
    Reply
    • Boston’s Alignment

      2 months ago

      Yup. Look at him like an oft injured pitcher. You know he will get hurt.

      1
      Reply
  9. Baseball Pickers

    2 months ago

    Don’t trade him! He’s only got to be good (2-3 WAR) to justify his contract and the White Sox don’t have bats. There’s still a chance he pops for a huge year, but expecting 2-3 WAR for a young team that is short on bats makes sense to this White Sox fan.

    2
    Reply
    • stymeedone

      2 months ago

      You’re right. The White Sox don’t have bats, and Roberts is part of the group that isn’t a bat. They aren’t likely to pay the option year so he’s not part of the future. Trade him before he gets hurt again.

      1
      Reply
      • JoeBrady

        2 months ago

        I’d bet real money they pick up his option.

        1
        Reply
        • Wire to wire 2024

          2 months ago

          @joe why though, in hopes that he’s good again next year and they can try to trade him again?

          Reply
  10. Acoss1331

    2 months ago

    Two offseasons ago when he put up great numbers and was healthy. Plus the team was already being blown up at that point. Getz overplayed his hand. Now, gotta hope he gets on track by the trade deadline.

    9
    Reply
  11. hiflew

    2 months ago

    If James Outman is the best they can get from LA, they should just keep LuBob until his contract expires. The draft compensation would be worth more than Outman.

    7
    Reply
    • Aiden Awe

      2 months ago

      I don’t want Outman, what about an OF prospect.

      1
      Reply
    • WadeBoggsWildRide

      2 months ago

      Outman is just waiting to break out. LuBob is already washed up!

      1
      Reply
    • Armaments216

      2 months ago

      Draft compensation? Under what circumstance would Robert be declining a QO? If he doesn’t prove valuable enough to trade, the Sox certainly won’t be extending him a QO (or exercising his option).

      Reply
      • hiflew

        2 months ago

        Fair point, It is very possible that he would not receive or decline a qualifying offer. And it is also possible that he would not receive a high enough offer on the open market to garner a draft pick either. But it would still be a worthy gamble if the only other option is James Outman.

        Reply
  12. frankf

    2 months ago

    When he crosses the Mendoza Line?

    5
    Reply
  13. Old York

    2 months ago

    Should have traded him back in 2023.

    4
    Reply
  14. DarkSide830

    2 months ago

    A year ago?

    1
    Reply
  15. Never Remember

    2 months ago

    Why is one option not don’t trade him?

    1
    Reply
    • Wire to wire 2024

      2 months ago

      They already did that

      1
      Reply
  16. THEY LIVE!!!

    2 months ago

    As a Dodger fan they need Robert like they need hemorrhoids. Dodgers need a legit 3B much more than another OF.

    2
    Reply
    • wineguy

      2 months ago

      As a Giants fan, I support the Dodgers all getting hemorrhoids.

      5
      Reply
    • Phree4u

      2 months ago

      Dodgers have better 3b in their bullpen than the white Sox have in their entire system.

      2
      Reply
    • unglar

      2 months ago

      @They Live

      I saw They Live for the first time a couple weeks ago in my satire class at college and now I see references to it everywhere I look. More people should see that movie, it feels super relevant these days.

      1
      Reply
  17. CO Guardening

    2 months ago

    I would say hope he goes on a tear and some team gets desperate. He’s just not that good.

    1
    Reply
  18. Slider33

    2 months ago

    I don’t care when, just not to the Reds…

    Reply
  19. Jdt8312

    2 months ago

    I don’t know what you’re going to get for a guy who is batting .188 as of this writing. He’s had one really good HR season, and one really good BA season.He’s played over 100 games in a season twice in 5 full seasons. I don’t understand the hype around this guy.

    1
    Reply
    • YankeesBleacherCreature

      2 months ago

      Bc he’s got super-talented tools but hasn’t had good health on his side like Byron Buxton.

      3
      Reply
      • Wire to wire 2024

        2 months ago

        So what would you have the yanks offer for him or buxton?

        Reply
        • YankeesBleacherCreature

          2 months ago

          Nothing. The Yankees have a full outfield.

          Reply
        • Wire to wire 2024

          2 months ago

          I was mostly just curious what kind of value you think he has, and figured it would be easier than asking what the reds for example would need to offer.

          Reply
      • Jdt8312

        2 months ago

        Super talented, but can’t stay healthy is about as useful as teets on a bull.

        Reply
  20. hoof hearted

    2 months ago

    Like an avocado; wait, wait, wait- too late

    2
    Reply
  21. Big whiffa

    2 months ago

    2020

    Reply
  22. Boston’s Alignment

    2 months ago

    Tyrone Taylor: under appreciated
    101 career OPS+
    98 OPS+ with Mets
    Superb Defense in CF
    Smart capable base runner.

    Mets are not going to downgrade to Luis Robert Jr.
    Stearns is not giving up young talent for this unreliable player. Not. Happening.
    110% LTC Cohen Tax. Not. Happening.

    3
    Reply
  23. Boston’s Alignment

    2 months ago

    Trade him to the Twins!

    1
    Reply
  24. Blah blah blah

    2 months ago

    If I am the Dodgers I am offering whatever the Sox want. It can’t cost too much with how he has performed over the last year.

    Hes obviously disinterested and needs winning baseball back in his day.

    Reply
  25. chalk73

    2 months ago

    The Angels like washed up White Sox, looks like a perfect trade for Jo Adell.

    1
    Reply
  26. Dooper

    2 months ago

    Edwin Arroyo?!! If I were the Sox I’d jump at that especially if there’s some nice filler.

    Outman is garbage, if he’s the main piece I’d tell the Dodgers to get fudged as well.

    3
    Reply
  27. 30 Parks

    2 months ago

    Two years ago.

    Reply
  28. Gadzooks

    2 months ago

    The reason a deal with the Reds didn’t get done this winter is because Getz was rumored to want Burns or Lowder attached with Arroyo and for the Reds to swallow the majority of his remaining money; the Reds understandably were hesitant. They could very well circle back talks.

    The Dodgers offering Outman as a headliner should get their number blocked. As the White Sox know, Miguel Vargas has REALLY been panning out for them.

    2
    Reply
    • nrd1138

      2 months ago

      I think the only way the Sox have a any glimmer of being better they must rid themselves of Reinsdorf, Getz, and the rest of the clown show. Otherwise keep expecting mediocre results. A real owner pays for a proven GM if he wants to get out of this pickle, not just put the title on the last guy the ‘Mummy’ didn’t fire for his mistake..

      Reply
  29. jhomeslice

    2 months ago

    They should do both the first two – aggressively try to market him, and also not be afraid to wait until July if they don’t get a good offer. I hope they get a decent enough offer soon and take it, he’s a great bet to get hurt at some point. He’s only played over 100 games once. It hardly matters until there is an ownership change anyway.

    Reply
  30. nrd1138

    2 months ago

    So whats the over/under as to how many games into the season when Venable realizes the mistake he made taking this job?

    Reply
  31. Atlanta Jack

    1 month ago

    Never, never never

    Reply

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