Report: White Sox discussing Robert trade with Mets, Reds
Luis Robert Jr. could finally be traded this offseason.
The Chicago White Sox are looking to move the 2023 All-Star outfielder for pitching depth after inking Japanese slugger Munetaka Murakami, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
The White Sox are reportedly engaged in trade talks with the New York Mets and Cincinnati Reds.
The 28-year-old is a good fit for the Mets, who project to have Jeff McNeil, Tyrone Taylor, and Juan Soto in the outfield to start the 2026 season.
New York also has a pitching surplus, as Kodai Senga, Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, Sean Manaea, David Peterson, Brandon Sproat, Jonah Tong, and Christian Scott could all make starts next year.
Meanwhile, the Reds' outfield includes Noelvi Marte, TJ Friedl, and Gavin Lux. Robert would be a defensive upgrade over Friedl in center field, and the former also has a higher ceiling offensively.
Cincinnati's pitching staff features Hunter Greene, Andrew Abbott, Brady Singer, Nick Lodolo, and Chase Burns plus MLB-ready prospects Rhett Lowder and Chase Petty.
Robert has two club options for 2026 and 2027 that are each worth $20 million. He comes with injury risk, suiting up for only 577 games since 2020.
Robert went deep 14 times with a career-high 33 stolen bases and a .661 OPS during a second straight down year in 2025. However, he hit 38 homers with a 129 wRC+ during a breakout 2023 campaign.