“Eight teams have checked in on talented but struggling CF Luis Robert Jr., and if the White Sox can trade him before confronting that $20M option decision, they need to do it. The Phillies, Dodgers, Padres, Royals, and Mets look like potential fits. Some believe he’d regain form as a complementary player elsewhere,” Heyman reported.
Robert enters the break hitting .190 with nine homers and 35 RBIs. The White Sox thought they had a superstar after his 38-homer 2023 season, where he was an All-Star with an .857 OPS. But since he has a .633 OPS in 178 games. Injuries have been a big concern as well and could lead to his trade.
The Kansas City Royals are the only team Heyman listed that is not in the postseason at the break. They would be bringing in Robert as a long-term piece, which he is for everyone. But the other four teams would be looking for Robert to turn it around immediately to make a run in a crowded National League.
When the Dodgers are involved, fans will always roll their eyes. They could use an extra arm in the outfield, but may not have the prospects to pull off the deal. The Mets desperately need an outfielder who can hit, which could be Robert. And the Phillies have been looking for a centerfielder for a few years. Could the White Sox try and trade Luis Robert Jr before July 31?
Christopher Hennessy is an MLB associate editor at ClutchPoints, with additional expertise in the NHL and golf. He graduated with a journalism degree from Fordham University in 2022, and he has work experience at Spectrum News One in Albany, New York and with The Hockey Writers as a New York Islanders reporter.
