Luis Robert Jr. trade buzz grows as Reds face competition to pull off major deal

A sudden change of direction has the Cincinnati Reds looking more like buyers than sellers at this year's MLB trade deadline. One of the biggest prizes this summer could be Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. The Reds were said to be deep talks with the White Sox during the offseason, but if Cincinnati is hoping to revisit to conversations before July 31, they'll have some stiff competition.

According to MLB insider Francys Romero, the White Sox are receiving continued interest in Robert despite his slow start this season. Romero reports that industry sources are linking the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, and Seattle Mariners to the former All-Star.

Robert was one of the hottest names on the trade block this past winter, but Chicago — hoping for a massive return — went into 2025 with hopes of making an in-season trade. Robert is hitting just .184/.269/.304, which will undoubtedly affect the return the White Sox could receive.

Luis Robert Jr. trade buzz grows as Reds face competition from Yankees, Phillies, and Mariners

Given Robert's downturn in production, many Reds fans are sure to ask why the team would even entertain the idea of trading for him. That's a good question, and seeing as how Romero didn't mention Cincinnati among those with interest in Robert, it's quite possible that Nick Krall has no plans to revisit those offseason trade talks with the White Sox.

Robert has proven one thing this season — he's healthy. One of the biggest concerns when trade talks emerged this past winter was his durability. But through the first two-plus months of 2025, Robert has answered the bell.

Outside of availability, however, there's nothing to indicate that Robert will return to the All-Star level he achieved in 2023. Robert has lacked power and efficiency in his swing this season. He's also striking out at an unsustainable clip. Aside from walking about 10% of the time, there's nothing about Robert's game that should be attracting attention this summer.

The Reds could be search of a right-handed hitting outfielder to pair with Austin Hays, but that's the only box that Robert checks. His $15 million salary is definitely a detractor, and if the Yankees, Phillies, and Mariners want to pursue Robert at the MLB trade deadline, the Reds should just step aside.

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