Luis Robert Jr. flashed his All-Star talent in 2023, belting 38 homers and driving in 80 runs. But since then, he’s struggled to find that same elite form.
Friday marked the latest frustrating chapter for the 27-year-old outfielder. Robert went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts and a walk, continuing a trend of underwhelming performance. In 52 games this season, he’s hitting just .187 with a .577 OPS. His power numbers are particularly concerning—his .417 expected slugging percentage ranks in the bottom half of the league, and his 29.3% strikeout rate is among the highest in baseball. Over more than 200 plate appearances, he’s managed just five home runs, 20 RBIs, and 63 strikeouts.
Still, not everything has gone poorly. Robert has shown more patience at the plate, with a 10.7% walk rate, and he’s used his athleticism to swipe an MLB-leading 21 bases. Defensively, he’s continued to deliver Gold Glove-caliber play in center field.
Despite his efforts, Robert—who has been at the center of trade rumors for several seasons, has openly admitted that he doesn’t believe he’s playing well enough for another team to take a chance on him.
White Sox director of hitting Ryan Fuller believes Robert’s struggles stem from mental challenges rather than mechanical flaws.
"It's huge. If only it was, 'Yeah, your swing looks good. You're gonna go out there and be able to execute every night,'" Fuller told Sports Illustrated. "The mental side of the game is obviously so huge."
Fuller has been working closely with Robert, focusing on refining his leg kick to improve timing and generate power. According to Fuller, Robert doesn’t need a complete swing overhaul—just a better sense of rhythm to avoid overstepping and maximize his natural power.
Fuller also praised Robert’s openness to adjustments, calling him “fun to work with and receptive to change.
Earlier this month, Robert attributed his slow start to “missing pitchers’ mistakes” and acknowledged in February that he planned to adjust his approach in the early, colder months of the season due to past injuries. He emphasized the importance of playing smart and knowing when to “push it a little bit.”
With key players like Andrew Benintendi, Austin Slater, Mike Tauchman, and Josh Rojas recently returning from injury, Robert should benefit from added lineup protection and more opportunities to drive in runs.
But the trade deadline looms, and if the White Sox hope to move Robert and get meaningful value in return, he’ll need to find his form—and fast.
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