MLB Insider Thinks Luis Robert Jr. Is 'Unlikely' to Be Traded at 2025 Deadline

In the midst of a second straight disappointing season, Luis Robert Jr.'s value leading up to the trade deadline isn't particularly high for contending teams looking to add another bat.

Per ESPN's Buster Olney, Robert is considered "unlikely" to be traded by the Chicago White Sox prior to the July 31 deadline.

There was an expectation coming into this season that Robert would be one of the focal points of the trade deadline. He had a rough 2024 due to primarily to a hip injury that kept him out for two months, but his track record was very encouraging that things would get back on track.

Instead, Robert is on pace for the worst season of his career. The 27-year-old is hitting .206/.292/.344 with 10 homers and 25 stolen bases in 83 games.

Among 159 hitters who qualify for the batting title, Robert's .280 weighted on-base average is the eighth-worst.

There is a scenario where a team could bet on Robert rebounding by getting away from the White Sox, who are on pace to lose more than 100 games for the third consecutive year, and into a pennant race for the first time since 2021.

Robert still has the speed, as evidenced by his 25 stolen bases, and defensive profile in center field to be a valuable contributor. His plus-four fielding run value ranks 10th out of 21 qualified players at the position.

The problem is Robert is really the only major trade chip the White Sox have on their MLB roster and giving him up when his value is this low would be a disappointment.

Of course, the White Sox could also lose him in the offseason for nothing. His current contract has a $20 million team option for 2026 that could be hard to justify picking up if he keeps playing at this level.

There's always the chance the White Sox pick up that option and Robert returns to his All-Star form from 2023, allowing them to flip him for a good return at the deadline next year.

It's not a great situation for the White Sox to be in, but it's the path they might have to take if they want to get any potential long-term value from Robert. In a worst-case scenario, they don't get good value for spending $20 million on one player because Robert has another bad season in 2026.