Luis Robert Jr. will remain in a White Sox uniform for at least one more season. On Tuesday, the club exercised its $20 million team option on the All-Star center fielder, opting against a $2 million buyout that would have made him a free agent. With the move, Robert is set to earn $20 million for the 2026 season.
While the decision comes as no surprise, it represents the first major domino to fall in what could be a pivotal offseason for the White Sox. General manager Chris Getz alluded to the move back in August, shortly after Robert went down with an injury, saying the organization was “committed to Luis.”
It wasn’t the first time that Robert had gotten an endorsement from the front office. Getz also reaffirmed that stance following the trade deadline, calling Robert “a valuable part of the club’s future” and emphasizing his importance to the team’s rebuild. Even with a dip in offensive production, Robert remains a difference-maker thanks to his elite defense, veteran leadership, and speed on the basepaths.
That was on full display during the 2023 season, when he slashed .264/.315/.542 with 38 homers, 80 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases, good enough to finish 12th in the MVP voting. But his production dipped sharply the following year, as his OPS fell to .657 and his strikeout rate climbed to 33.2%.
The struggles continued in 2025. Robert posted just a 1.4 WAR, matching his 2024 total for the lowest of his career. His .223/.297/.364 slash line also set new career lows, though he still managed to hit 14 home runs and set a personal best with 33 stolen bases.
After being mired in trade rumors during the first half of the season, Robert turned things around with an .808 OPS in the second half, showing renewed energy alongside the team’s young core. The 28-year-old displayed improved hustle and continued to flash Gold Glove–caliber defense.
That momentum, however, was halted on August 26 against the Royals when Robert exited in the fourth inning with a left hamstring strain. The injury, later diagnosed as a Grade 2 strain, ended his season prematurely.
Before the setback, the former Gold Glove and Silver Slugger winner slashed .298/.352/.456 in the second half and was on pace for a potential 20/40 season. He also joined an exclusive club in franchise history—joining Minnie Miñoso, Ray Durham, and Alexei Ramírez—as one of only four White Sox players to record at least 100 home runs and 100 stolen bases.
Despite Robert’s injury history—he has played more than 100 games just once in his first four big-league seasons—his second-half surge has reignited his trade value. Other teams reportedly remain interested, but lingering durability concerns could make the White Sox hesitant to move him without a significant return.
Ultimately, the decision to exercise Robert’s option was the right one. There simply isn’t a center fielder on the open market who offers comparable production, athleticism, and upside for under $20 million. With Andrew Benintendi’s defensive range continuing to show signs of decline in left field, Robert’s Gold Glove–caliber presence in center remains a critical asset for the White Sox defense.
The organization also lacks any outfield prospects who are truly ready to handle everyday duties at the major league level. If Robert can find his rhythm early next season, the White Sox could once again explore trading him at the deadline to bolster a farm system that currently ranks in the middle of the pack across the MLB.
