News - Speculation is ramping up surrounding star outfielder Luis Robert Jr. in trade discussions.

Trade Rumors Heat Up Surrounding Luis Robert Jr. Luis Robert Jr., an electrifying talent in Major League Baseball, is once again at the center of swirling trade rumors. The 28-year-old dynamo, who dazzled with a standout 2023 All-Star performance hitting .264 with 38 homers and showcasing his elite skills on the field, faces uncertainty following fluctuating seasons. His 2023 showcase confirmed his reputation as a rare five-tool player, boasting significant power, speed (with a career-high of 33 stolen bases by 2025), and a sturdy defensive stature in center field. Yet, injuries have restricted his playtime to 100 games in 2024 and 110 in 2025, leading to a slump in his batting averages to .223/.297/.364 with only 14 home runs and a .661 OPS. Despite these setbacks, the Chicago White Sox demonstrated faith in Robert by exercising his $20 million club option for 2026, along with future considerations for 2027 and potential buyouts. The emergence of Murakami at first base/DH has catalyzed a strategic shift for the team, prompting them to explore trading Robert in exchange for promising young pitchers to strengthen their rotation. To sweeten potential deals, the White Sox are prepared to absorb up to $10 million of Robert's 2026 salary, alleviating concerns about his injury history and recent decline in offensive metrics. Active interest has emerged particularly from the New York Mets and the Cincinnati Reds, both keen on bolstering their rosters. The Mets, long fascinated by Robert's arsenal of skills, reinvigorated their interest following Murakami's signing. Addressing outfield vacancies left by key player trades, Robert offers a defensive boost and potent right-handed hitting. The Mets possess a surplus of pitchers, with young talents like Jonah Tong, Brandon Sproat, and seasoned players such as David Peterson or Kodai Senga, aligning their assets with Chicago's rotational needs. However, health concerns over Robert linger, casting doubts on whether the Mets' leadership would surrender top-tier prospects for an athlete seen as a gamble. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds have rekindled efforts post-offseason talks, looking to capitalize on their recent NL Wild Card surge under Terry Francona. With aspirations to enhance their offensive might alongside star Elly De La Cruz, Robert's mix of speed, power, and budget compatibilities make him appealing for Cincinnati. The availability of young arms like Chase Petty, Julian Aguiar, and Brandon Williamson offers advantageous trade terms, though budgetary limitations could impact the scope of exchanges. Reporting and speculation suggest that as the negotiations evolve, both the Reds and the Mets weigh factors of potential upside and financial logistics, considering if a dynamic yet injury-prone Luis Robert Jr. can be the transformative force they seek.