The Chicago White Sox have won four straight games since the All-Star break, and they’re making history while doing it. All four victories came by five runs or more, according to FanDuel.
It’s been one of the few bright spots in what’s been a miserable season on the South Side.
At 36-65, the White Sox aren’t playing for anything beyond development and trade value. That’s where Luis Robert Jr. comes in – or where he was supposed to come in.
The 27-year-old centerfielder was expected to bounce back and become a prime trade target before the deadline. Instead, he’s hitting .206/.292/.344 with 10 home runs and 40 RBI through 83 games.
Those numbers tell the story of a player who’s struggled mightily at the plate, even if he’s been solid defensively and on the basepaths. Robert has heated up lately, going .500 over the last four games, but it may be too little, too late for interested teams.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Chicago’s front office.
ESPN’s Buster Olney reported that a Robert trade looks increasingly unlikely as the deadline approaches. Teams that were once interested seem to be backing away from the former All-Star.
“But it seems unlikely that Luis Robert Jr. — once considered a potential trade centerpiece — will be dealt, unless a team makes a big bet on a player who has either underperformed or been hurt this year,” Olney wrote.
The White Sox find themselves in an interesting spot with Robert. They could hold onto him and hope his talent shows up next season, especially with his $20 million club option for 2025 looking more reasonable given their minimal payroll commitments.
Teams like the New York Mets, San Diego Padres, and Philadelphia Phillies could use outfield help, but they’re probably looking elsewhere now.
What makes this situation different is Robert’s track record. He’s shown he can be an impact player when healthy and locked in. The question is whether any contender wants to gamble on that potential with the trade deadline looming.
From where I’m sitting, the White Sox might be better off keeping Robert and seeing if a full offseason can help him get back to form. Sometimes the best trade is the one you don’t make.
