Things haven't been going well over the past three years for the Chicago White Sox. Last season, they lost 121 games, setting the all-time single-season record.
This year, they aren't much better, having posted a record of 28-59 through the first three months of the season. They are obvious sellers when the trade deadline comes around on July 31.
One player that could be on the block is outfielder Luis Robert Jr., who has regressed in recent years. He'll either enter free agency after 2025 or be kept thanks to club options for 2026 and 2027.
Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report believes Robert could be traded at the deadline, and listed him as a buy-low trade chip.
"We are still not far removed from a 2023 season where Robert racked up 38 home runs, 20 steals and 5.3 WAR in 145 games. At his peak, he was one of the most dynamic all-around players in baseball," Reuter wrote.
"If the White Sox eat a significant portion of what's left of his $15 million salary this year, which they may be willing to do, he could be the ultimate buy-low pickup."
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Robert is not having a good season with the White Sox in what could be his walk year. He is slashing .185/.270/.313 with eight home runs, 32 RBI and a miserable .584 OPS.
However, he has stolen 22 bases. He's also a former All-Star, Gold Glover and Silver Slugger. Perhaps a change of scenery is all he needs to get back on track.
The White Sox have no realistic hope of contending in the near future, but if Robert is traded to a contending ballclub, he could potentially rediscover his old form.
In 2023, Robert hit .264/.315/.542 with 38 homers, 80 RBI, 20 stolen bases, an .857 OPS and 5.3 WAR. He still has potential to be one of the most dynamic players in the league.
Injuries have been a problem for him, but it will be interesting to see if the White Sox get any takers for him.
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