Apart from Garrett Crochet, Luis Robert Jr. is the biggest trade chip the White Sox have to offer as the club looks to continue its rebuilding process. Although 2024 was another injury season for Robert, Sox GM Chris Getz told the Chicago Sun-Times’ Daryl Van Schouwen (multiple links) and other reporters that his team has “got a lot of interest” in Robert’s services during the Winter Meetings. The Reds appear to be one of those interested, as Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports that the Ohio team “at least scouted Robert.”
It’s no secret that Getz is asking a lot to get Robert back, and the general manager defended his position by saying the White Sox wanted a trade package that matched “the talent he brings to the table” as Robert says “the tools have not changed.”
“Obviously, injuries last year got in the way [Robert’s] production, but the reason there is so much interest is because maybe the team feels they can capture something that may not have been seen last year.,” said Getz.
Cincinnati is an attractive trade partner because the Reds also have several quality young players coming off disappointing 2024 seasons. The Reds went 82-80 in 2023 and entered last season looking to take a step forward in contention, but instead fell back to 77 wins because Elly De La Cruz again Tyler Stephenson he was the only member of the small group who met the expectations. Whether it’s due to injury or just not doing well, the players love it Matt McLain, Spencer Steer, Noelvi Marteagain Christian Encarnacion-Strand now they go into next season with a lot to prove in terms of their building block status.
Hypothetically, making a trade package involving Robert and at least one of these players could help address some of the Reds’ concerns about Robert’s long-term health. Granted, Getz won’t be able to sell short on Robert unless he has to, but taking a player in a trade package that’s also a question mark doesn’t seem like an unreasonable move on the part of the Reds. Just as Getz would argue that Robert’s underlying talent is a key factor in trade talks, Cincinnati could take that argument with respect to any of its potential trade chips.
The outfield is known to be a target area for the Reds, and Robert will address that need in a big way. With Robert coming in as a regular center fielder, TJ Friedl may be shifted to left field, if the Steer is moved back to the infield. There are many ways manager Terry Francona can coordinate his lineup around Robert as one of the everyday rockers, and if another injury arises, Friedl, Is Bensonor Stuart Fairchild he may still be there to get back to the middle ground.
A portion of Robert’s trade value is tied up in his contract, which is cash if the outfielder is healthy and productive as he was in his 2023 All-Star season. Robert is set to earn $15MM in 2025, and the White Sox have club options for $20MM (with a $2MM buyout) for both the 2026 and 2027 seasons. While not a lot of money by superstar standards, the Reds’ trade efforts can be difficult if the team is indeed operating within a very limited salary cap.
Ownership may be willing to allocate more money to the Reds’ fee in the special case of Robert’s trade coming to fruition, or another creative response may be explored. From Chicago’s perspective, Getz is open to ideas, noting that the White Sox have had some discussions about a three-team trade (potentially involving Robert or Crochet). “If that’s the best way to get talent for your organization, you do it,” Getz said.
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