Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert has been a disappointment since the start of the 2024 season. That does not mean that he is devoid of trade value.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, eight teams are reportedly interested in Robert. While he did not specify which teams are interested, Heyman speculated that the Phillies, Mets, Royals, Dodgers and Padres could be potential landing spots.
Robert’s trade value has dissipated since 2023. He posted a .264/.315/.542 batting line in 595 plate appearances, hitting 38 homers and 36 doubles while stealing 20 bases. Robert made his first All-Star Game that season and appeared to be on the cusp of stardom.
The White Sox resisted trading Robert that offseason, hoping for a repeat of his 2023 performance to further increase his trade value. Instead, injuries and a lack of production have ruined Robert’s value on the trade front. He has posted a meager .210/.277/.357 batting line in 731 plate appearances since the start of the 2024 season, hitting 23 homers and 28 doubles.
Heyman further noted that interested teams believe Robert may simply need a change of scenery. He may be putting too much pressure on himself to carry Chicago, which is affecting his performance.
If that is the case, whichever team acquires Robert would have more than a rental option. Robert is in the final guaranteed year of his six-year, $50M contract, but he does have a pair of team options worth $20M each for 2026 and 2027. As the White Sox are reportedly willing to include cash considerations to pay down what is left of Robert’s contract, he could prove to be a bargain if he can return to his previous form.
