MLB Rumors: Dodgers and White Sox Trade Talks for Luis Robert Jr. Hit Pause Amid Early-Season Struggles
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox have reportedly put their Luis Robert Jr. trade discussions on hold, according to USA Today. While both sides were working toward a deal that would send the outfielder to L.A. in exchange for Triple-A talent James Outman and a top prospect, talks have cooled—at least for now.
This development adds another twist to a saga that's been building since the White Sox entered full rebuild mode. And with Robert struggling to start the 2025 season, the timing of any potential move is getting increasingly complicated.
Luis Robert Jr.: Still a Star, But Mired in a Slump
At one point, Luis Robert Jr. looked like the crown jewel of Chicago’s rebuild. An All-Star and Silver Slugger in 2023, Robert showcased power, defense, and star-level upside. But the last two seasons have been rocky.
After a difficult 2024 campaign (.224 AVG, 35 RBIs, 141 strikeouts in just 100 games), Robert has stumbled out of the gate in 2025, hitting just .178 with one home run and 13 strikeouts in 13 games.
Despite the recent struggles, the outfielder still has clear upside: a Gold Glove in 2020, dynamic speed, and the kind of tools that can turn a team’s fortunes when he’s locked in.
Why the LA Dodgers Were Interested
The Dodgers, fresh off a World Series win and one of the most aggressive offseasons in recent memory, don’t need Robert—but that’s exactly why they’re dangerous.
Adding another high-upside piece to an already loaded roster would be classic L.A. They were reportedly willing to part with James Outman, a promising outfielder, and a top prospect—likely from their wealth of elite minor league talent—to take a flyer on Robert’s ceiling.
But Robert’s slow start might have prompted the Dodgers to tap the brakes, at least until he shows signs of bouncing back.
White Sox Rebuild at a Standstill?
With a 4-10 record and little hope of competing in 2025, Chicago remains stuck in the early stages of yet another rebuild. Robert was expected to be either the face of that effort—or its most valuable trade chip.
Now, his value is murky. And with fans already disillusioned after a 100+ loss 2024, the club may be hesitant to move Robert unless the return is substantial—or his bat heats up.
What’s Next?
For now, the Dodgers will continue forward with an already dominant roster, while the White Sox are left figuring out when—or if—they should cash in on Robert. If he starts to produce, expect those trade talks to pick up again, especially as contenders start circling in the lead-up to the summer deadline.
Until then, Sunday’s games offer two very different snapshots of these teams’ trajectories: the White Sox trying to salvage pride in Boston, and the Dodgers continuing their title defense in Chicago—maybe with a little extra motivation against a team they might still be negotiating with behind the scenes.
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