MLB Trade Rumors: 3 Teams In Talks with White Sox on Luis Robert

Luis Robert Jr.'s name has been on the trade block for what seems like years now (because it has been), as the rebuilding Chicago White Sox somehow still hold onto their one-time All-Star and former top prospect.

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that not only has he not been able to stay healthy, but his OPS in the mid-600s the past two years speaks to a sharp decline in his production. He still displayed elite defense and the speed last season that helped make him a promising star in the league, swiping 33 bags. But his .223 batting mark and .297 on-base percentage were woefully inadequate, and the numbers were pretty similar in 2024 as well.

Nevertheless, there are three teams said to be currently in talks with the Pale Hose to finally spring Robert Jr. from the Windy City.

Several teams, including the Mets, Padres, and Pirates, have expressed interest in CF Luis Robert Jr.

The White Sox continue to evaluate different scenarios.

Multiple industry sources believe Robert Jr. has a strong chance of being traded this offseason.
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) December 13, 2025

Insider Francys Romero reports that the New York Mets, San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates are interested in Robert. Romero says that "Multiple industry sources believe Robert Jr. has a strong chance of being traded this offseason." Of course, we have heard exactly that for each of the previous two years as well, so we won't hold our breath just yet.

New York Mets

We know that the Mets were talking to the White Sox back at the deadline about potentially dealing for Robert Jr. then, with Luisangel Acuña as one name that was being discussed as a possible return at that time.

Now, after they traded outfielder Brandon Nimmo this offseason in a deal to land second baseman Marcus Semien, the need is even greater. GM David Stearns is concentrating on bolstering run prevention and defense, and Robert fills that bill. He has a Gold Glove on his resume, and is an excellent center fielder, ranking in the 93rd percentile in 2025 in Outs Above Average, while consistently ranking high that metric throughout his career, as well as in Defensive Runs Saved.

San Diego Padres

The Friars were another team said to be in the running for Robert Jr. at the deadline. They wound up securing Ramon Laureano instead, who had a terrific run with them. They do have a full outfield at this time, though, with Jackson Merrill in center and Fernando Tatis Jr. in right, so their inclusion on this list is a bit surprising this offseason.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Bucs brought in The Password—Jhostynxon Garcia— in a trade this offseason, and he is currently slated as their left fielder in 2026. But would they possibly consider moving Oneil Cruz back to the infield, despite his struggles there earlier in his career, in order to slot Robert Jr. into centerfield? Seems unlikely, but stranger things have happened.

So Robert Jr.'s name is back prominently on the trade block. But will he finally be moved? We'll believe it when we see it.