Not even a month into the season, the trade rumors have already started surfacing again for Luis Robert Jr.
In his Sunday Notebook, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported on recent trade talks that would’ve seen Luis Robert Jr. heading to Los Angeles. However, it appears that at least for now, those talks have been tabled.
“The Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers have tabled trade discussions that would send center fielder Luis Robert Jr. to the Dodgers for Triple-A outfielder James Outman and a front-line prospect.”
This is a trade that, on the surface, is a confusing one. Outman, 27, is older than Luis Robert Jr. with just one option year remaining. He had a solid 2023 season, hitting .248/.353/.437 across 151 games, but hasn’t seen any success since. He played in just 53 games in 2024, hitting .147/.256/.265, and he didn’t make the major league team out of Spring Training this season. His struggles have continued in Triple-A, as he’s hitting just /159/.254/.349 in his first 71 plate appearances to start the season.
He wouldn’t necessarily be a headliner, but he also wouldn’t be an incredibly attractive piece for the White Sox, either, given his age and lack of a solid track record.
To make this return even remotely appealing for the White Sox, the Dodgers would have to include either Josue De Paula or Zyhir Hope as a part of the return. The pair are ranked the 46th and 48th prospects, respectively,
Plus power and advanced swing decisions are De Paula’s, 20, calling cards. In 107 games last season, he hit .268/.404/.405 with a 19.8 K% and 17.5 BB%. He’s started strong in eight games this season, walking more than he has struck out and posting a .917 OPS. The left-hander might end up as a DH if he continues to struggle defensively, but his bat would inject some much-needed power into the White Sox’ prospect pool.
Hope, 20, has risen dramatically on prospect lists after a strong 2024 season when he was dealt from the Cubs to Los Angeles for Michael Busch. He spent all of 2024 in Low-A, hitting .287/.415/.490 with nine home runs in just 54 games. Much like De Paula, he touts excellent swing decisions with enough power to project long-term at a corner outfield position.
It’s not clear whether the Dodgers would be willing to part with either of these guys, which is likely one of the reasons these conversations have been tabled for now. Regardless, there is a reason the White Sox wanted this report out, so don’t be surprised if in the coming days we receive more rumors about other teams the White Sox may be talking to.
At the end of the day, there is also plenty of concern that the White Sox may not be able to get what they perceive to be maximum value for Luis Robert Jr, considering his $20M option years aren’t incredibly appealing right now, on top of the fact that he has struggled mightily to start 2025 (.163/.250/.245). In truth, Robert Jr. hasn’t shown the player he can be since 2023, further raising concern levels that the White Sox may have missed their chance to get top value for him. There is still plenty of time for Robert to turn things around, but at least for now, rumors such as these raise concerns about whatever the return may be when the team ultimately decides to trade Robert.
As more information becomes available, we will continue to provide updates.
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Featured Image: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
