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Garrett Crochet is almost certain to be traded by the White Sox this winter, but the team would also “love to” move Luis Robert Jr. beforehand, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.
The 27-year-old center fielder signed a six-year, $50 million contract in 2020 but has struggled to live up to the expectations set when he emerged from Ciego de Ávila, Cuba.
“The guy is certainly intriguing,” one GM said, according to Nightengale. “But they’ve got a really high price tag on him. You’ve got to hope he finally stays healthy and can be the player everyone envisioned all along. But the White Sox are acting like he’s some big star center fielder and are asking for your top prospects.”
Robert Jr. has struggled with injuries, playing in more than 100 games in just one of his five seasons with the White Sox. The right-hander is set to earn $15 million in what could be his final season with the team.
According to Nightengale, if a team takes a chance on Robert and it pays off, they’ll have the option to exercise his $20 million club option for both 2026 and 2027.
Last season with the White Sox, Robert Jr. logged 88 hits, 14 home runs and 35 RBI in 100 games.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies are engaged in trade discussions involving Garrett Crochet, with Alec Bohm and Justin Crawford as potential pieces in the deal, per Nightengale.
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