Luis Robert Jr. Shows Signs Of Life Amid Growing Trade Buzz

Despite a slow start to the season, Luis Robert Jr. is reportedly still drawing interest from several teams as the trade deadline approaches. 

According to Francys Romero, teams like the Yankees, Mariners, and Phillies are expected to be in the conversations ahead of the trade deadline. 

Robert was recently placed on the bench after a 1-for-20 slump at the plate to give him time off to work on his swing. The 27-year-old was working with a hitting coach, Marcus Thames, and hitting director Ryan Fuller on improving his timing at the plate by refining his leg kick to help him get into a better rhythm and maximize his power. 

Since rejoining the lineup on June 6, Robert has gone 4-for-15 with six RBIs. His standout performance came Tuesday night against the Astros, when he delivered an RBI double, launched a solo home run, and made a crucial sliding catch in the eighth inning to help the White Sox escape a jam.

“It was significant on both ends,” White Sox manager Will Venable told reporters after the game.”Great to see him drive the ball a couple of times. Obviously some really big plays in the outfield and just a great day for Luis, who continues to work hard.” 

If the White Sox plan to trade Robert, who drew interest from several teams, including the Yankees, this offseason, he must recapture his form at the plate. 

LUIS ROBERT JR. IS BACK 👀 pic.twitter.com/UyLbCbzUIx

— White Sox on CHSN (@CHSN_WhiteSox) June 11, 2025

Robert’s solo homer marked his first since May 3 (which also came against the Astros), snapping a 28-game streak without a long ball. It also helped him break out of a 3-for-31 slump that included 15 strikeouts in his last 10 games. 

Robert has proven he can be an All-Star caliber player, launching 38 homers and driving in a career high 80 RBIs. However, he has struggled to find consistency at the plate, which has tanked his trade value. 

Things haven’t been all bad for the 27-year-old. He currently owns a career-high 10.5% walk rate and has stolen 21 bases while providing excellent defense in center field. 

“He’s a good player when he’s on,” Astros manager Joe Espada told MLB.com.  “If you make mistakes, he’s a good hitter. You have to execute, especially against any hitters at this level. He got some pitches he was able to get barrel to. He executed.” 

Robert attributed some of his early struggles in May to missing hittable pitches. However, his bat speed and barrel rate still rank in the top 70 percent of MLB hitters this season, offering hope for a breakout stretch.

The Yankees seem like the best fit for Robert; however, their current center fielder, Trent Grisham Jr, is having a much better season at the plate, slashing .240/.344/.481 with 13 homers and 27 RBIs. 

White Sox general manager Chris Getz recently told Vinnie Duber of the Chicago Sun-Times that teams have still been interested in Robert, despite his slow start; however, he added that the White Sox have not been actively making calls. 

“We’re not actively making phone calls on behalf of any player, Getz said. “Obviously, as you approach the trade deadline, that will pick up.” 

Getz has shown a willingness to play hardball in trade negotiations, stretching talks for Dylan Cease throughout much of the 2024 offseason and holding onto Garrett Crochet until last year’s trade deadline, when his asking price was finally met.

Given Robert’s high ceiling, it wouldn’t be surprising if Getz chose to hold onto him, at least until he heats up at the plate and boosts his trade value. With two $20 million club options remaining for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, the White Sox have flexibility, potentially setting the stage for a trade this offseason if a deal doesn’t materialize before the July 31 trade deadline.