Luis Robert Jr. has seen the writing on the wall this offseason. While his days in a White Sox uniform are likely numbered if it were up to him he would like to stay with the team that signed him to his first MLB contract.
For now, Robert remains the projected Opening Day center fielder. But with trade rumors swirling and the White Sox adding multiple veterans this offseason, the team appears to be bracing for life without its former top prospect.
Meeting with the media as position players reported to camp in Glendale, Arizona, Robert said “it would be a beautiful story” if he played his entire career with the White Sox but acknowledged that trade is “out of my control.”
“It’s difficult knowing there could be an end to that,” Robert told reporters. “At the same time, it’s a business.”
White Sox Preparing for Life After Robert
Actions speak louder than words, and the White Sox’ moves suggest Robert is on the way out. Last week they inked veteran centerfielder Michael A. Taylor to a one-year deal worth $1.95 million, with performance bonuses included.
The 34-year-old has long been one of MLB’s best defensive center fielders, ranking third in Defensive Runs Saved (78) over the past nine seasons—trailing only Kevin Kiermaier and Lorenzo Cain. Last season, his 11 Outs Above Average placed him in MLB’s top-four percentile.
Offensively, however, Taylor has struggled. He owns a career .235 batting average over 11 seasons and doesn’t draw many walks. Last year with the Pirates, he slashed .193/.253/.290 with a 35% strikeout rate.
So why add Taylor when the White Sox already have Robert in center, Andrew Benintendi in left, and a platoon of Austin Slater and Mike Tauchman in right? The likely answer is to prevent the bottom from falling out like it did after last year. With trade talks ongoing, Chicago appears to be safeguarding against a major outfield shake-up.
Benintendi is another player the White Sox hope to move, but offloading the $49.3 million remaining on his contract will be a challenge unless he gets off to a hot start. Slater and Tauchman, both on cheap veteran deals, could also become trade chips by the deadline if they perform well.
Robert’s Trade Value at a Crossroads
Robert remains the White Sox’ most valuable trade asset, but his stock isn’t as high as it once was.
The 27-year-old is coming off the least productive season of his career, slashing .224/.278/.379 with 14 home runs, 35 RBIs, and an alarming 33.2% strikeout rate in 425 plate appearances. His durability is also a concern—last season, he missed 62 games with a right hip flexor strain. In 2022, he was limited to 98 games after three separate IL stints. The year prior, he played just 68 games after suffering another hip injury while running to first base on May 2 against Cleveland.
Despite these setbacks, Robert’s upside remains undeniable. He already boasts an All-Star appearance, a Gold Glove, and a Silver Slugger Award. In 2023, he put together a breakout campaign with 38 home runs, 80 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases. By holding onto him through the offseason, the White Sox are betting he can recapture that form and boost his trade value.
By holding onto him throughout the offseason White Sox are betting that Robert can replicate that success.
Fletcher’s Future in Doubt
Taylor’s arrival also signals that the White Sox have little confidence in Dominic Fletcher, who was expected to be the team’s fourth outfielder before the signing.
Fletcher struggled mightily in 2024, slashing .203/.277/.271 with 20 strikeouts in his first 59 at-bats before being sent down to Triple-A Charlotte. When he returned in May, he seemingly fell out of favor with manager Pedro Grifol, finishing the year with a .206 average, one home run, and a -0.3 WAR.
Defensively, he provided some value, recording two Outs Above Average, and he still has minor-league options remaining for the 2025 season. But his path to playing time in Chicago now looks even murkier.
What’s Next for the White Sox?
With Opening Day approaching, the White Sox are at a crossroads. If Robert bounces back, he could net a strong return at the trade deadline. If not, the team may have to hold onto him for another season and risk paying him the $20 million club option he is owed next year or lose him for nothing.
Robert told reporters that he will be adjusting his game during some of the colder months earlier in the season, due to injuries he has suffered during April and May. Some of that includes being a “smart player” and knowing the best times in the game to “push it a little bit” Robert said.
For now, Robert remains focused on his job in Chicago. But all signs point to his time in a White Sox uniform coming to an end sooner rather than later.
