White Sox Hold Luis Robert Jr. Despite Trade Deadline Interest

The Chicago White Sox chose not to trade center fielder Luis Robert Jr. by the 2025 MLB trade deadline, despite interest from teams like the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and San Diego Padres. Robert Jr. struggled through much of the 2024 and early 2025 seasons but has shown a significant performance upswing recently, hitting .353 over his last 15 games, which raised his trade value. However, the White Sox reportedly set a high asking price for Robert Jr., demanding multiple prospects and MLB players, which teams found excessive given his recent inconsistency and injury history. With no offers meeting their expectations, the White Sox are likely to exercise Robert Jr.'s $20 million club option for the 2026 season, viewing the risk as manageable given their relatively low payroll commitments. Analysts suggest the White Sox's decision to retain Robert Jr. reflects a gamble on his potential to rebound fully, though some criticize the front office's reluctance to trade him as a factor in the team's prolonged rebuilding struggles. The team may revisit trade talks in the offseason if Robert Jr. continues his strong performance, aiming to secure a better return.