Cincinnati Reds indicates losing ground in chase for top longtime trade target

At this point, it’s almost surprising that He isn’t already a Cincinnati Red. He was heavily tied to the team throughout the offseason, and despite struggling through the worst season of his career, he’s remained a consistent target for Cincinnati over the past six months. However, according to a prominent MLB insider, all of that interest might ultimately go nowhere due to an unpredictable trade market.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan recently unveiled his list of the top 50 trade deadline candidates and gave Him a 90% chance of being dealt.

While Robert is slashing just .185/.267/.305 this year, he’s only two seasons removed from an All-Star campaign and is under team control for another two and a half years — factors that initially put him on the Reds’ radar. But now, it seems several other teams are circling as well.

 

 

Passan linked Robert to the Padres, Phillies, Guardians, Mets, and Giants — notably leaving the Reds off the list entirely.

MLB insider indicates Reds losing ground in chase for longtime White Sox trade target Luis Robert Jr.

Over the weekend, reports emerged that the White Sox are open to covering a significant portion of Luis Robert Jr.’s salary, which could expand his trade appeal to more teams.

Robert is still owed the rest of his $15 million salary for this season and has $20 million team options for both 2026 and 2027. That gives any acquiring team the flexibility to keep him at a reasonable cost or move on after this year.

White Sox GM Chris Getz has suggested Robert might be part of the team’s long-term plans, but it seems more plausible that Chicago will trade him before the deadline rather than risk losing him for nothing after the season.

While Robert isn’t playing at the level he has in past seasons, his talent could still make him a worthwhile gamble for the Reds. Cincinnati has struggled to get consistent production from its corner outfielders, and Robert’s speed and defense offer value even when he’s not hitting.

Though the Reds showed serious interest in Robert during the offseason, they’re far from the only team eyeing him now that his trade value has dipped. That competition was expected, but it doesn’t make Cincinnati’s apparent hesitation any easier to accept.