Luis Robert Jr., the Chicago White Sox’s center fielder, is at the center of trade speculation as the July 31, 2025, MLB trade deadline approaches. Reports suggest that multiple teams are keeping tabs on him, while the White Sox are planning to trade him. The 27-year-old has an interesting road ahead this season; however, a sudden injury has cast uncertainty over his immediate trade prospects.
Luis Robert Jr.’s Injury May Impact His Prospect If The Red Sox Decide To Trade Him
USA Today’s Bob Nightengale has shared his prediction regarding Robert Jr.’s trade. As relayed by national MLB reporter Michael Marino on X, Nightingale said, “The likelihood of Robert being traded, barring an injury? Just about 100%. The White Sox don’t want him… The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies are keeping close tabs on him.”
Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) on a Luis Robert trade:
The likelihood of Robert being traded barring an injury? Just about 100%. The White Sox don’t want him…The New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies are keeping close tabs on him.
— Michael Marino (@MarinoMLB) June 25, 2025
On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, Robert exited a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first inning due to left hamstring tightness. He played defense at the top of the frame but was replaced by pinch-hitter Austin Slater before his first at-bat, with Michael A. Taylor shifting to center.
The White Sox labeled the issue as tightness, not a strain, but further evaluation is pending. The timing couldn’t have been more critical. Robert’s injury history, including a hip issue that limited him to 100 games in 2024, has already made the teams wary. Experts believe that if it’s a serious injury, teams may be less willing to swing a deal with Roberts. For now, Chicago appears to be exercising caution with their top trade chip.
Robert’s 2025 season has been a mixed bag. He’s hitting a lackluster .185 with eight homers and 32 RBIs through 71 games, a very visible drop from his 2023 All-Star campaign. His recent 3-for-27 slump over nine games further shows his struggle with his form. However, his most defining skill still gives results as he maintains a 92nd-percentile bat speed, 94th-percentile sprint speed, and 22 stolen bases.
A 2020 Gold Glove winner and 2023 Silver Slugger, Robert’s defensive skills and base-stealing ability still make him a highly sought-after asset. His contract of $15 million in 2025 with $20 million club options for 2026 and 2027 gives other teams a chance to hire and secure him.
The White Sox, focusing on a rebuild after a 121-loss 2024, see Robert as their best chance for a significant prospect haul. Nightengale’s report suggests the Mets and Phillies are circling, with the Yankees now in the mix, according to some reports. Despite Taylor’s serviceable performance, the Mets view Robert as an upgrade over Tyrone Taylor in center.
The Phillies, with a weak outfield (24th in WAR), see Robert as a postseason difference-maker. The Yankees, fresh off a World Series loss, aim to bolster their lineup, especially with Juan Soto’s free agency right on the horizon.
