MLB Trade Rumors: White Sox Rumors: Jeff Passan Suggests Luis Robert Jr. Needs a Fresh Start
Luis Robert Jr. is off to another rough start for the Chicago White Sox, and ESPN’s Jeff Passan believes it may be time for the struggling slugger to find a new home.
Robert is hitting just .158 to begin the season, continuing a frustrating stretch of offensive inconsistency. Passan pointed to his declining production and stagnant defense as key reasons why a trade might benefit both sides.
“Not only has he been a demonstrably worse hitter, his center-field defense also has plateaued,” Passan wrote. “This is the ultimate change-of-scenery candidate.”
Trade Value Complicated, but Potential Remains
Despite Robert’s early struggles, his contract includes club options worth $20 million in 2026 and 2027, giving potential suitors some flexibility. Still, teams may treat him more like a rental unless he shows significant improvement.
Passan noted that Chicago held onto Robert this offseason, hoping his value had hit bottom and would rebound enough to flip him at the trade deadline. That plan hasn’t worked out yet, with Robert tallying just nine RBIs and four home runs in 2024.
Who’s Interested?
If Robert turns things around, he’s expected to be a centerpiece of the trade deadline. The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies have been floated as early potential suitors. Robert reportedly trained with Mets star Juan Soto this past offseason, further fueling speculation.
Last season, Robert managed just 35 RBIs across nearly 400 at-bats, part of a White Sox campaign that saw more than 120 losses. The club is currently 7-22 and staring down another possible 100-loss year.
Robert Searching for Answers
Despite the poor start, Robert remains confident he can bounce back — he even homered and stole a base Tuesday against the Brewers, though the Sox still lost 7–2.
“If I’m getting walks, I’m not swinging at pitches that are out of the strike zone, right? Then why is my offense not producing?” Robert said via an interpreter. “I think it’s because I’ve been missing their mistakes. That’s the only explanation I can find.”
Chicago continues its series with Milwaukee on Wednesday.
Add a comment