Luis Robert Jr. might be one of the most gifted players the Chicago White Sox have developed in recent years, but with the 2025 MLB trade deadline drawing near, his place with the team is far from guaranteed.
Once viewed as a cornerstone of the franchise, the $50 million outfielder now finds himself at a critical juncture. While the White Sox are open to trading him if the return is right, Robert still needs to perform well enough to generate real interest.
He’s been a constant presence in trade rumors for months—and justifiably so. When healthy, he’s a rare five-tool player capable of reshaping a playoff-bound team’s lineup.
“At the moment, with how I’ve been playing, I don’t think any team would take that risk,” Robert said via interpreter Billy Russo, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com. “I’m just focused on improving. That’s all I can think about.”
His candid comments reflect a deep awareness of the situation. While some players block out trade talk, Robert isn’t ignoring the speculation—he just knows his best move is to play his way back into relevance, both for his own future and any team that might consider acquiring him.
White Sox Weigh Their Options With Robert
From the front office’s perspective, Robert’s future is a pressing issue. The White Sox are fully entrenched in a rebuild and not expected to contend anytime soon. That makes Robert—under a team-friendly contract that runs through 2027 with club options—one of their few remaining high-value trade chips.
If he regains form, he’s a highly appealing acquisition: a proven player with upside and a manageable contract. But if he continues to struggle, the Sox risk missing their chance to trade him while his value is still high.
The good news: Robert is healthy and playing again. That alone is a step forward after repeated injury setbacks. The next couple of months will be crucial. If he can get back into rhythm offensively and defensively, playoff hopefuls in need of outfield help may come calling.
What Comes Next
The timing is tight. With the trade deadline set for July 31, Robert has a limited window to make his case. The White Sox are aware of this. They’re not just hoping for a resurgence—they’re counting on it. A strong showing means they can potentially trade him for key prospects. A slump, however, leaves them with a declining asset on their hands.
Even teams with strong farm systems and postseason ambitions may hesitate to trade for a player who hasn’t met expectations. Despite his skill set, Robert has to demonstrate that he’s still worth betting on.
For now, the spotlight is firmly on him. How he performs in the coming weeks will shape not only his fate but also the direction of the White Sox rebuild. One way or another, a decision is coming—and soon.