Optimism is at an all-time high for the Chicago White Sox following SoxFest 2020. Many of the players are arriving early to spring training before the February 12th pitchers and catcher report date. One of the reasons for optimism being so high is due in part to the team’s number one prospect Luis Robert who is ready to change history for Chicago.
Robert is entering the 2020 season as number three overall prospect in Major League Baseball according to MLB Pipeline. On January 2nd, he signed a six-year, $50 million dollar contract extension that enables him to begin the year with the White Sox allowing him to avoid any service time restrictions.
While talking with Russell Dorsey of MLB Pipeline at SoxFest this past weekend, Robert set some high goals for himself.
“As every young player in the Major leagues, I want to be Rookie of the Year and win a [World Series] Championship,” Robert said.
Last season, Robert played in three minor league levels which include, class-A advanced, Double-A Birmingham, and Triple-A Charlotte. In a combined 122 games, he had an on-base percentage of .376, hit 32 home runs, and stole 36 bases. If Robert can join the elusive 30/30 club in his rookie season, he will be a unanimous selection for Rookie of the Year and possibly receive several MVP votes.
Fellow teammates are high on Robert’s potential also. Outfielder Eloy Jimenez at SoxFest was quoted as saying that Robert could be the next Mike Trout. Along with Jimenez, Yoan Moncada, Lucas Giolito, Tim Anderson, and Michael Kopech, the White Sox have an explosive core of young players.
The one player that everyone will have their eyes on this season will be Robert. His potential has fans and the media, both locally and nationally, expecting the world from him this season. Rookie of the Year honors and assisting the White Sox in obtaining their first playoff berth in 12 years is something Robert is set on making a reality.
