MLB insider indicates Reds losing ground in chase for longtime trade target

At this point, it’s hard to believe that Luis Robert Jr. isn’t a member of the Cincinnati Reds. After being linked heavily to the Reds in the offseason, Robert has seemingly been on the team’s radar for most of the past six months despite being in the midst of a career-worst season. But, according to one MLB insider, there’s a chance that all of that interest could end up being for naught thanks to a wacky trade market.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan highlighted the top-50 trade deadline candidates, listing Robert with a trade probability of 90%. While he’s only hitting .185/.267/.305 this season, he’s only two years removed from an All-Star season and comes with two-and-a-half years of team control, which is why he was on the Reds’ radar. It turns out he’s on plenty of other team’s radars as well. 

Passan linked Robert to the San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies, Cleveland Guardians, New York Mets and San Franciso Giants. That’s right. The Reds weren’t even mentioned. 

MLB insider indicates Reds losing ground in chase for longtime White Sox trade target Luis Robert Jr.

Over the weekend, it was reported that the White Sox were willing to eat a good portion of Robert’s salary, which should open up his trade market to more teams. Robert is owed the remaining balance of his $15 million and also has a $20 million team option for both 2026 and 2027, so any team that acquires him could choose to keep him at a somewhat affordable price tag or elect to pull the plug after this season. 

While White Sox General Manager Chris Getz said that there’s a chance that Robert could be a part of the team’s long-term core, it seems more likely that Chicago will trade him at this year’s deadline as opposed to (likely) cutting bait with him after the season and losing him for nothing. 

Although Robert’s not the same kind of player that he’s been in years prior, he has enough talent that should entice the Reds to roll the dice. Cincinnati hasn't received a ton of production from their corner outfield spots, and even when he’s not hitting he can still provide some value thanks to his legs and glove. 

After spending all offseason flirting with Robert, it seems like the Reds aren’t the only team in MLB interested in taking a chance on Robert at a depressed value. And while that kind of competition was expected, it still doesn’t make the Reds' seeming lack of interest sting any less.

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