The Chicago White Sox will be among the more noticeable sellers at the MLB trade deadline because they are already out of the running for the postseason.
But Chicago expects Luis Robert Jr. to be a long-term resident as the White Sox assess their roster.
The White Sox don’t feel pressured to trade Robert, who wasn’t easily available during the winter. Rather, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, Erick Fedde and Garrett Crochet have emerged as Chicago’s greatest trade pieces.
Robert’s many years of team leadership contribute to his value. Robert would be far more than simply a rental for any acquiring team if he stayed with the White Sox through 2028.
However, Robert can serve as a foundational element for Chicago for many years to come. Robert’s contract suggests he might still be on the South Side when the Sox are ready to contend if they decide to engage in a rebuild and future plan.
Luis Robert Jr. is the kind of player Chicago would want in their lineup, judging on his prior performance.
The outfielder, who hit.233 with 11 home runs, 31 RBI, and nine stolen bases, was a Gold Glove winner and placed second in the Rookie of the Year vote.
Robert had his best season to date three seasons later. Robert batted.264 in 2023, totaling 38 home runs, 80 RBI, and 20 stolen bases.
In addition to winning his first Silver Slugger, he received a nomination for his first and only All-Star Game.
Robert’s season has been cut short due to injuries; he has played in only seven games. Even when he was healthy, his hitting wasn’t very attractive.214 with four RBI, two home runs, and a stolen base.
Nevertheless, Robert’s weak start to the season—especially one hampered by injury—will not be excused by Chicago. They still see him as a player to base their future plans on and as a building block.
Even still, with a 15-42 record, the White Sox own the worst record in baseball. It seems certain that some adjustments will be needed because the team is currently 22.5 games behind the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central. And that’s where Garrett Crochet and Erick Fedde come in.
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