The trade drama between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox won’t end until Luis Robert Jr. is officially dealt — and Cincinnati remains a realistic destination.
While it’s uncertain if he’ll end up in a Reds uniform, the White Sox’s current demands don’t make a deal out of reach.
Robert’s injury history and inconsistent performance have lowered his trade value.
According to The Athletic, in assessing the Mets’ chances of landing him, insiders believe it might only cost a few mid-tier prospects from the lower half of a team’s top 20 list.
MThe Mets’ farm system ranks 12th, while the Reds are slightly better at 10th, suggesting Cincinnati could also afford a similar package.
If the Reds pursue the deal, they might need to part with young arms like Zach Maxwell or Cole Schoenwetter.
Luis Robert Jr.
If Chicago prefers position players, names like Leo Balcazar, Ricky Cabrera, or Carlos Jorge could be on the table.
The Reds have been hunting for a right-handed hitting outfielder with strong defensive skills — a role Robert fits well.
Though he’s struggled for most of the year with a .206/.292/.344 slash line, he’s heating up in July, riding a 10-game on-base streak and posting a .364 average and 1.023 OPS this month.
Since the All-Star break, he’s batting .500 with a 1.303 OPS.
Robert’s contract also includes team options for 2026 and 2027, giving the Reds the flexibility to keep him beyond this season if things go well.
If a trade package involving Schoenwetter and Cabrera is enough to seal the deal, Cincinnati has no reason not to act.
A fresh start in a playoff race might be exactly what Robert needs to reignite his All-Star potential.
