The Chicago White Sox begged the Philadelphia Phillies to take Luis Robert Jr. off their hands? That was apparently the case, according to one major MLB insider.
One-time All-Star Luis Robert was a name linked to various trade rumors before Thursday’s deadline. Two years ago, he seemed like one of the rising stars in the game. However, over the last two seasons, he has gone into a complete tailspin and is a shell of the player fans saw in 2023 due to injuries.
- Luis Robert stats: .215 AVG, .299 OBP, .353 SLG, .653 OPS, 11 HR, 44 RBI, 41 R
Despite a pair of down seasons, he was still expected to be traded to a contending team, such as the Mets or Phillies, this week. Yet, the 6 PM ET trade deadline came, and the gifted centerfielder remained in Chicago. Reports suggested a surprisingly high asking price was the main hindrance to a deal getting done.
Well, it seems that there was more to it than just the price. USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale claims, White Sox general manager Chris Getz is not popular among his contemporaries, and after two down years, many teams have lost interest in Robert Jr.
“Luis Robert, not trading him is a disaster. You talk to GMs, and they got frustrated dealing with Chris Getz,” Nightengale told the “Foul Territory Show.” “They kind of stood pat. But the Robert thing, they should have traded him in the winter. They had to trade him now. I don’t think they can pick up that club option [for 2026]. I think it’s stupid to throw $20 million down the drain.
- Luis Robert contract (Spotrac): Two years, $40 million (Club options in 2026 and 2027)
“If anybody thought he was any good, they would have grabbed him. They were begging the Philadelphia Phillies to trade for him, and the Phillies had no interest,” he added. “Everybody says the same thing. The guy rarely plays. I don’t care how much talent you have. Anthony Rendon has talent, too, but if he’s not playing, what good is it?”
Instead of adding Robert Jr., Philly traded for journeyman outfielder Harrison Bader before the July 31 deadline.
