Luis Robert Jr. was starting to turn a corner.
After being mired by trade rumors in the first half of the season, the White Sox center fielder has posted an .808 OPS in the second half of the season and looks revitalized by the energy of the team’s young core. Robert has been hustling down the line on seemingly routine ground balls and continues to shine defensively, including three spectacular catches in Sunday’s 8-0 route of the Twins.
But that positive momentum came to a halt on Tuesday against the Royals when Robert exited the game in the fourth inning with a left hamstring strain. Robert sustained the injury while running out a ground ball in the second inning.
Prior to Wednesday’s series finale against the Royals, the White Sox placed Robert on the 10-day injured list and recalled Will Robertson from Triple-A Charlotte.
Robertson is slashing .289/.387/.571 with 20 homers and 58 RBIs in 89 games in Triple-A this season. After being acquired from the Blue Jays in a July 10 trade, he has appeared in four games over two stints with the White Sox.
While Robertson provides a capable short-term option, losing Robert during a productive stretch is a significant setback for the White Sox. White Sox general manager Chris Getz told reporters on Wednesday that the Grade 2 hamstring strain could be season-ending.
Robert is slashing .298/.352/.456 in the second half and was inching closer to a 20/40 season. He recently joined an exclusive club with Minnie Minoso, Ray Durham, and Alexi Ramirez as the only players in White Sox history to steal 100 bases and hit 100 career home runs.
After the trade deadline, Getz reaffirmed the team’s confidence in Robert’s talent, calling him a valuable part of the club’s future. Given the lack of a ready replacement in center field, Getz is expected to pick up Robert’s $20 million option for 2026. Even with a dip in offensive production, Robert still brings significant value to the young White Sox roster through his defense, veteran experience, and speed on the basepaths.
Getz doubled down on Wednesday when asked how the injury would affect the decision to pick up his option, saying: "We're committed to Luis."
His second-half surge has boosted his trade value, with other teams reportedly still interested in Robert’s services. However, the setback adds to a track record of injury concerns that could scare off other teams from meeting Getz’s asking price. Robert has only appeared in over 100 games once in his first four seasons in the big leagues.
Getz already faces a tough decsion on Robert's future. A trade this offseason seems unlikely, but with Robert gradually regaining the form that earned him All-Star honors in 2023, an injury stint comes at an especially inopportune time.
