Cincinnati Reds in Talks to Acquire Luis Robert Jr. in $15 Million Deal
The Cincinnati Reds are finalizing a deal to acquire outfielder Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox, according to MLB sources. The deal is expected to include the Reds covering $15 million of Robert’s $22 million salary for the 2026 season, with the White Sox covering the remaining $7 million, along with a package of minor league prospects.
Robert, 26, has shown flashes of superstar potential early in his career. In 2021, he hit .338/.378/.567 in 68 games, followed by a solid 2022 season despite a drop in OPS. In 2023, he played 145 games, hitting 38 home runs, stealing 20 bases, and posting a .264/.315/.542 line en route to his first All-Star selection.
The past two seasons have been more challenging for Robert. He played 100 and 110 games, hitting 14 home runs each year with batting averages under .225, on-base percentages below .300, and slugging percentages under .380. Still, he set new career highs in stolen bases with 23 and 33 in those seasons.
The White Sox had previously picked up Robert’s $20 million option for 2027, which included a $2 million buyout, but decided to facilitate the trade to gain value in return.
For the Reds, acquiring Robert is a calculated move. When healthy, he combines rare power and speed, with a 38-home-run, 33-steal season in his recent history. Defensively, he remains a strong presence in center field. Cincinnati hopes that a change of scenery will allow Robert to return to elite form and become a cornerstone of their lineup.
With the offseason in full swing, Reds fans can anticipate seeing Robert in a red uniform for the 2026 season, as the front office bets on his upside and potential to revitalize their outfield.
