MLB Trade Rumors: White Sox Want 'Meaningful Piece' in Return for Luis Robert Jr.

The Chicago White Sox are looking for a "meaningful piece," in return for center fielder Luis Robert Jr., according to The Athletic's Will Sammon, Katie Woo and Ken Rosenthal.

Potential trade partners seem to be seeking "something for nothing," according to the White Sox, with one executive stating, "I don't think they understand what his value is," per Sammon, Woo, and Rosenthal.

The White Sox aren't demanding multiple prospects for Robert Jr. but feel that teams are overreaching in trade negotiations for the 27-year-old.

According to one rival executive, the White Sox are also "rightly asking high" in trade discussions involving left-handed pitcher Garrett Crochet, per Sammon, Woo, and Rosenthal.

It was reported on Nov. 25 that the White Sox would "love to unload" Robert Jr. before they trade away Crochet, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.

The team signed Robert Jr. to a six-year, $50 million contract five years ago, expecting big things from the outfielder. However, the 27-year-old has struggled to meet those expectations.

"The guy is certainly intriguing, but they've got a really high price tag on him," one anonymous general manager said, per Nightengale. "You've got to hope he finally stays healthy and can be the player everyone envisioned all along. But the White Sox are acting like he's some big star center fielder and are asking for your top prospects."

Robert Jr. has spent all five of his professional seasons with the White Sox, recording 88 career home runs, 245 RBI and a .267 batting average. He also boasts a 2023 Silver Slugger Award and a 2020 Gold Glove Award.

The White Sox finished last season with a 41-121 record, ranking last in both the American League Central Division and the entire AL.

Robert Jr. finished the season with 14 home runs, 35 RBI and a .224 batting average while leading the team with 141 strikeouts in 100 games.