Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. offered a candid take on his declining trade value, acknowledging his recent struggles that have spanned nearly two seasons.
Robert, who’s currently batting .186 with a .281 on-base percentage and .308 slugging—along with just five home runs and a 70 OPS+—told reporters, including MLB.com’s Scott Merkin, that he doubts any team would take a chance on acquiring him at the trade deadline.
“With how things are going for me this season, I really don’t think anyone would want to trade for me,” Robert said via the team’s interpreter. “All I can do is focus on improving. That’s all that’s on my mind.”
It’s been a sharp drop-off for Robert, who was an All-Star in 2023 after hitting .264 with 38 home runs, 36 doubles, and posting a 130 OPS+. But injuries in 2024 limited him to 100 games, during which his numbers fell to a .224/.278/.379 slash with 14 homers, 19 doubles, and an 86 OPS+. His production has declined even more in 2025.
Robert told Merkin he’s doing everything he can to recapture his All-Star form.
“I try to be that player every day,” he said. “I prepare the best I can. If the results don’t come, that’s something I can’t control. We all work hard for results, and when they don’t come, it’s definitely discouraging.”
Despite his hitting woes, Robert remains an elite defender, leads MLB in stolen bases with 17, and has shown notable improvement in plate discipline—walking at a career-high 11.7% clip and chasing pitches outside the strike zone just 29% of the time.
“I’ve been aggressive on the bases because that’s one of the ways I can contribute,” he said. “Given how I’ve been hitting, I haven’t had many chances, but I enjoy stealing bases and look for any opportunity to help the team.”
Earlier this year, Robert was considered a prime trade candidate, largely due to his team-friendly contract, which includes $20 million options for 2026 and 2027. If he were performing like he did in 2023, contending teams would likely be eager to trade for him. But with his value diminished and the White Sox potentially missing their window to sell high, he’s starting to look like a sunk cost.