With the MLB’s annual winter meetings set to kick off next week, the offseason is expected to heat up in the coming days, and ESPN’s Jeff Passan believes one White Sox player is expected to garner some trade interest.
Passan predicts that Luis Robert Jr, who has been at the center of trade discussions for the last two seasons, has a 60 percent chance of getting dealt this offseason.
After an All-Star season in 2023 that saw him post a 4.9 WAR with 38 homers and 20 stolen bases, the White Sox hoped to cash in at the 2024 deadline. But after being limited to 100 games and posting the lowest OPS of his career, Robert tanked his trade value, which forced the White Sox to hang onto him for another season.
After a slow start to the 2025 season, the front office was once again unable to find a trade partner offering what they believed was fair value. As a result, Chris Getz chose to pick up his $20 million option for 2026.
While Getz stated that he believed Robert Jr can be an impactful piece next season, Passan believes now is the time to move Robert. With another $20 million option for 2027 and elite tools, sprint speed, defensive range, and bat speed all ranking in the 90th percentile or higher, Robert remains a tantalizing asset for contending teams.
Passan lists the Giants, Phillies, and Reds as potential fits; however, after back-to-back down seasons, the return for Robert could be limited. If the White Sox are going to make a move, they may be in a better position to do so during the trade deadline.
The White Sox have also signaled that they do not intend to move Robert.
Getz told reporters back in August that 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.
With a young roster lacking established MLB hitters, Robert’s presence in the lineup could be beneficial. With Andrew Benintendi’s defensive range continuing to show signs of decline in left field, Robert’s Gold Glove–caliber presence in center also 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.
