MLB insider reveals GM’s reactions to Luis Robert Jr. trade price Originally appeared in NBC Sports Chicago
Prolonged fights at the plate could prevent a Luis Roberto Jr. Trade this summer. white sock They are not eager to sell the extremely talented center fielder on the cheap, even though he has not lived up to expectations this season, and According to Bob Nightengale that could hinder a possible agreement.
“General managers are skeptical that any team will be willing to pay the high asking price (the White Sox) for oft-injured center fielder Luis Robert Jr.,” Nightengale wrote in his Sunday column.
Of course, the White Sox could lower their asking price as the MLB trade deadline approaches. A desperate team could also cave at the last minute.
Robert Jr. remains a player with plenty of potential and plenty of tools, and he’s under team control through 2027, which should be very tempting. But he’s hitting .228/.305/.500 in just 36 games this season.
Another concern: Robert Jr. missed 53 games this season with a right hip flexor strain he suffered while running the bases. Robert Jr.’s short MLB career has already been marred by several injuries. He was limited to 98 games in 2022 because of a wrist injury. He missed 85 games in 2021 with another right hip flexor injury.
That history might convince general managers to take their trade deadline business elsewhere.
Nightingale has previously reported that the White Sox are looking to add “young prospects with enormous potential.” The man who could accomplish that in a trade is star pitcher Garrett Crochet.
Crochet is making just $800,000 this season, is under team control through 2026 and looks like the dominant starter the White Sox thought he could be when they selected him with the 11th overall pick in the 2020 draft.
The White Sox briefly negotiated a contract extension with Crochet, by Nightengalebut the team is not confident of being able to reach an agreement with him.
Crochet has a 3.08 ERA in his first season as a starter, along with a 0.968 WHIP. His 146 strikeouts lead the MLB.
General manager Chris Getz is expected to trade several valuable players at this year’s deadline. Starting pitcher Erick Fedde and outfielder Tommy Pham are two players who could be traded for prospects. Additionally, Nightengale has reported that the White Sox are actively negotiating Andrew Benintendi and his massive contract that still has nearly $50 million outstanding.
The MLB trade deadline is 5 p.m. on July 30.
