The Los Angeles Dodgers already boast a star-studded lineup featuring Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman, but general manager Brandon Gomes may still be looking to add more elite talent.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox have held trade talks centered around Luis Robert Jr., Chicago’s center fielder.
Nightengale didn’t clarify whether those conversations happened during the offseason or more recently, but he reported that discussions have since stalled. The proposed deal would have involved Dodgers outfielder James Outman and a top-tier prospect heading to Chicago.
Robert Jr., who earned an All-Star nod and a Silver Slugger in 2022, had a strong 2023 season, hitting a career-high 38 home runs with a 130 OPS+. However, a right hip flexor injury in April 2024 limited him to 100 games last season, during which he struggled with a .224/.278/.379 slash line and a .657 OPS.
At present, the Dodgers are giving most of the center field duties to 24-year-old Andy Pages, who’s off to a sluggish start in 2025, batting just .149 with 19 strikeouts in 55 plate appearances.
Meanwhile, the White Sox continue their rebuild, having traded several key players recently. In March 2024, they dealt pitcher Dylan Cease to the Padres, and in December, they sent left-hander Garrett Crochet to Boston in exchange for four prospects, including highly ranked catcher Kyle Teel.
Outman, who hit 23 home runs as a rookie in 2023, started the 2025 season in Triple-A Oklahoma City due to the Dodgers’ crowded outfield, which includes Teoscar Hernández, Tommy Edman, Pages, and Michael Conforto.
While a trade for Robert Jr. could still happen later this season, for now, the 27-year-old—who is batting .163 with a .250 on-base percentage following Sunday’s 3-1 loss to Boston—remains with the White Sox.
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