Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. is off to another rough start this season, batting just .158. According to at least one MLB insider, it might be time for a fresh start elsewhere.
“Robert’s offensive struggles have worsened, and his performance in center field has leveled off,” wrote ESPN’s Jeff Passan. “He’s a classic change-of-scenery candidate. Though he has club options for $20 million in both 2026 and 2027, other teams might see him more as a short-term acquisition than a long-term piece. A rebound could change that.”
Robert remains one of the few holdovers on a White Sox team that has seen much of its core depart through trades and free agency. The franchise has endured a string of disastrous seasons and is on pace for another 100-loss year unless things improve soon.
Chicago currently sits at 7-22.
Luis Robert Jr. is likely on the move from the White Sox
Robert is widely considered one of the potential headline names in this year’s free agency discussions. Multiple teams have been linked to him, including the New York Mets—likely influenced by the fact that he trained during the offseason with Mets star Juan Soto.
The Philadelphia Phillies are also reportedly interested. Although Robert has publicly stated he anticipates being traded, the White Sox have held onto him as long as possible.
However, his value may be slipping due to underwhelming offensive numbers over the past year.
“The White Sox kept Robert through the winter, believing his trade value had hit rock bottom and hoping they could boost it before the deadline,” wrote Jeff Passan.
So far this season, Robert has only recorded nine RBIs and four home runs, continuing a disappointing pattern. In nearly 400 at-bats last year, he managed just 35 RBIs. The team’s struggles were widespread, finishing with more than 120 losses.
Robert did homer and steal a base in Tuesday’s 7-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, but it was another tough night for Chicago.
He admitted his offensive issues stem from failing to capitalize on opposing pitchers’ mistakes.
“If I’m drawing walks, that means I’m not chasing pitches out of the zone, right? So why am I still not producing?” Robert said through an interpreter to MLB.com. “I think I’ve just been missing their mistakes.
“That’s really the only explanation I have. Once I start making pitchers pay for those mistakes, my offense will get going.”
The White Sox continue their series against the Brewers on Wednesday.
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