MLB Trade Rumors: GMs Doubt White Sox Get Luis Robert Jr. Price; Erick Fedde Targeted
July 7, 2024
As the Chicago White Sox prepare for a fire sale at the 2024 MLB Trade Deadline, re-evaluating the market value for trade chips may be a necessity.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported that MLB GM's appear to be down on outfielder Luis Robert but view starting pitcher Erick Fedde as having a "robust" market.
"GMs are skeptical whether any team will meet their high price-tag for oft-injured center fielder Luis Robert Jr., of the White Sox, but believe the market will be robust for starter Erick Fedde (6-3, 3.13 ERA)," Nightengale wrote.
The White Sox will want a lot for Robert as he has shown high-level ability in the past. His 2023 season fits this narrative, as he hit .264/.315/.543 with 38 home runs, 80 RBIs and 20 stolen bases. He earned an All-Star nod and won a Silver Slugger for this production, but has taken a step back in 2024.
He is hitting just .228/.305/.500 with 10 home runs, 19 RBIs and six stolen bases. He has also been limited to just 36 games, which reverts back to his inability to stay healthy from earlier in his career.
While he surely will have suitors who view him as a reclamation project, it's hard to imagine any team offering up full value for him. Fedde, on the other hand, is someone Chicago can sell high on.
He has been a new player since spending the 2023 season in Korea, and the 31-year-old will be an attractive arm for teams needing a strong mid-rotation starter to help with a playoff push.
The MLB Trade Deadline is set for July 30 at 6 P.M. ET.
