MLB Rumors: Luis Robert Jr. Trade Talks Haven't Gained Traction; CWS Set High Price

Despite his status as one of the best hitters believed to be available on the trade market, there reportedly hasn't been much movement toward a deal involving Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. thus far.

According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, there has been "little traction" on the Robert trade front due largely to the fact that the White Sox have set an "understandably high" asking price.

Following the trade of outfielder Randy Arozarena from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Seattle Mariners late Thursday night, a strong case can be made that Robert is the best bat on the market ahead of Tuesday's MLB trade deadline.

Robert, who will turn 27 next week, is in the midst of his fifth MLB season, all of which have been with the White Sox.

He burst onto the scene in the COVID-shortened 2020 season, winning a Gold Glove Award in center field and finishing second in the American League Rookie of the Year voting.

Injuries held the Cuban slugger under 100 games played in each of the next two seasons, but he broke out in 2023 with the best campaign of his career to date.

In 145 games, Robert slashed .264/.315/.542 with a career-high 38 home runs, 80 RBI, 90 runs scored and 20 stolen bases.

As a result, expectations were high for Robert entering 2024, but a right hip flexor strain suffered in April forced him to miss two months.

Despite slashing just .222/.293/.466, Robert has been highly productive when healthy this season, producing 12 homers, 24 RBI, 24 runs and 12 steals in just 50 games.

Given his power-speed combo and ability to play quality defense in center field, Robert feels like precisely the type of player that contending teams would love to have for the stretch run.

However, several factors will likely make him an expensive player to acquire, including his age and contract.

Robert arguably hasn't even entered his prime yet, plus the White Sox locked him into what has become an extremely team-friendly deal before he ever appeared in an MLB game.

Chicago signed him to a six-year, $50 million contract in January 2020, which is a massive bargain given what he produces when he plays.

With club options, Robert can be under team control through 2027, so it comes as little surprise that the White Sox reportedly want a sizable return in exchange for his services.

While it is possible the White Sox could price themselves out and have to hold onto Robert into the offseason, the lack of quality hitters on the trading block suggests some team or teams will be more willing to meet Chicago's asking price as the trade deadline draws closer.