The White Sox’ trade efforts this offseason will largely focus on Garrett Crochet, who is the top starting pitcher available on the market. However, prior to the 2024 season, Luis Robert Jr. was considered Chicago’s top potential prize at the deadline. Unfortunately, injuries derailed Robert’s ’24 campaign, reinforcing his reputation as injury-prone. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Sox are looking to trade Robert, but a rival GM believes their asking price is unrealistic due to health concerns.
The Sox are hesitant to sell low on Robert, given his immense talent when healthy. Despite his injury history, Robert has shown flashes of brilliance, with a strong performance from 2021-23. However, a series of injuries in ’24 impacted his production, leading to a disappointing season. Robert’s $15MM salary for next year may also deter potential suitors.
While Robert’s ’24 season had some positives, his performance was largely hindered by injuries. His contract includes two $20MM club options for ’26 and ’27, making him a valuable but risky investment. Interested teams face uncertainty regarding Robert’s future performance and the need to surrender top prospects in a trade.
Given the financial flexibility of the White Sox and the potential for Robert to bounce back, a midseason trade appears likely. If Robert regains form, the Sox can market his services effectively. If struggles persist, they may need to consider trading him for a lesser return. Regardless, Robert’s future with the Sox remains uncertain, with the team monitoring his performance closely.
