The Chicago White Sox were rumored for most of the 2025 season to be potentially trading away Luis Robert Jr.
They never did, though, and for good reason.
The White Sox knew that at the end of the season, they had a $20 million club option to keep Robert for 2026. And as long as he stayed healthy, there’d be no question of the value of that amount.
On Tuesday, the White Sox confirmed what everyone expected and exercised that option to keep Robert around, according to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers.
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This could set Robert up for a whole new season of trade rumors. If the White Sox struggle again, he could actually get moved this time around.
But in the meantime, the White Sox retain one of their most talented players.
Robert turned 28 in August and remains a five-tool player in centerfield.
In 2025, he batted just .223 in 110 games. He did slug 14 home runs and steal 33 bases.
The batting average has fallen off for Robert in each of the past two seasons, and how valuable he appears to another team may depend on how much he can avoid strikeouts and get his powerful bat on the ball and his fast legs on the basepaths.
This story may not be over, either.
Robert has a club option for the 2027 season worth $20 million, as well. If Chicago doesn’t like the trade value they’re offered for Robert in 2026, they could run it back the following year.
More MLB rumors:
- Dodgers, Giants predicted to battle for $400 million free agent superstar
- Eugenio Suarez is looking at 5 possible landing spots
- Pete Alonso seems likely to stay in the NL East
