Luis Robert Jr. DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Cincinnati Reds have "checked in on" outfielder Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox in an effort to upgrade their outfield, both on defense and on offense. The Reds have already shored up their rotation by trading for right-hander Brady Singer last month but would like to fill the void left on offense with the departure of Jonathan India. The team has Matt McLain set to return from injury, so they are looking to the outfield, and Robert fits the bill. It would be costly, as the Reds would have to pay his $15 million salary, but the 27-year-old is a former All-Star and Gold Glove award winner. The right-handed hitter has played more than 100 games in a season just once since debuting in 2020. In 2024, the Cuban played 100 games on the nose after a hip-flexor strain caused him to miss about two months. He finished with a .224/.278/.379 slash line with 14 home runs but was able to set a new career high in stolen bases with 23 despite the lengthy absence. If he's able to stay healthy for a full season, he could be a strong multi-category contributor for fantasy in 2025.

ESPN's Buster Olney writes that the perception of some MLB teams is that the Chicago White Sox are intent on trading outfielder Luis Robert Jr. this offseason, which could be an indication that the White Sox want to cash out on Robert's diminished value now instead of waiting and seeing his value drop even further if he struggles again in the first half of 2025. Robert will make $15 million in 2025 with $20 million club options in 2025 and 2026. "If they really believed he would bounce back, wouldn't you hang onto him until next summer and look for him to rebuild his value?" asked one rival official. More injuries limited the 27-year-old to 100 games in 2024, and he hit just .224/.278/.379 with 14 home runs and a strikeout rate over 30%. It's a big if for Robert staying healthy in 2025, but if he does and the White Sox hold him, he could bounce back nicely and fetch high-end prospects in a trade. It's a big risk.

The Chicago White Sox have a very high price tag on outfielder Luis Robert Jr. in trade discussions this offseason and don't think they are overreaching, according to a source briefed on their thinking. "I don't think they understand what his value is," an MLB executive said. Chicago isn't asking for multiple prospects but do want a "meaningful piece" in return. The 27-year-old is no doubt physically gifted, but he's played in over 100 games just once in the past four seasons back in 2023, when he clubbed 38 long balls, had an .857 OPS and finished 12th in the American League in MVP voting. But outside of that season, he has struggled to stay healthy and was out from April 6 to June 4 with a hip-flexor strain in 2024. He's guaranteed $15 million in 2025 and has $20 million club options for 2025 and 2026. The shortage of center field options and quality bats has kept interest in Robert high.