๐นโ๐ผ๐ธ๐๐โ๐พ โ๐ผ๐๐: Reds Swing Big, Acquire Luis Robert Jr. from White Sox in Deadline Deal
In a dramatic shake-up just days before the MLB trade deadline, the Cincinnati Reds have pulled the trigger on a blockbuster deal, acquiring outfielder Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox, sources confirmed Saturday afternoon.
The trade sends shockwaves across the league as Cincinnati continues its aggressive push to stay competitive in the National League Central. Meanwhile, the struggling White Sox are officially signaling a rebuild, moving on from a once-promising star whose performance has taken a steep downturn in 2025.
According to league insiders, the Reds will take on the remainder of Robertโs 2025 salary, but Chicago will decline his $20 million club option for 2026, making this a pure rental โ and a gamble.
White Sox Cut Ties with Former Franchise Cornerstone
At one time, Luis Robert Jr. looked like the centerpiece of Chicagoโs future. Flashy tools, elite speed, and raw power made him a breakout star early in his career. But in recent seasons, the shine has worn off. Robert has struggled mightily at the plate, posting career-low numbers in OPS and strikeouts surging past career highs.
โThere just wasnโt a path forward,โ one White Sox front office official reportedly said. โHis value wasnโt going to go up. We had to move on.โ
The decision not to pick up Robertโs $20 million option after the season underscores Chicagoโs lack of faith in a turnaround โ and its urgency to get something in return now.
A Calculated Risk for Cincinnati
For the Reds, the trade is equal parts upside and urgency. The club sits just a few games back in the division and is clearly looking to strengthen its outfield depth and right-handed hitting.
Robertโs most immediate value to Cincinnati? His splits against left-handed pitching. The Reds have mostly relied on platoon bats like Connor Joe to face southpaws, but Robert brings the potential for more pop and athleticism โ even if his recent struggles raise questions.
โWe see this as a fresh start,โ a Reds scout told CBS Sports. โHeโs still 28. Heโs still got wheels. And in the right lineup, with protection, he can do some damage.โ
The deal is not believed to have cost the Reds any of their top five prospects, another indication of Robertโs diminished trade value.
What Comes Next?
For Chicago, the rebuild continues. More veterans are expected to be moved before the deadline as the team stockpiles young talent and clears payroll.
For Cincinnati, the message is loud and clear: theyโre in it to win it. Whether Robert can rediscover his All-Star form remains to be seen โ but in a playoff race this tight, any edge could make the difference.
Stay with CBS Sports for full coverage of MLB trade deadline action.
