Reds avoid Luis Robert Jr. trade drama while speculation ramps up elsewhere

Luis Robert Jr. has been a popular name throughout Reds Country for the better part of a year. There were rumors connecting the Cincinnati Reds to the Chicago White Sox outfielder last winter, and several MLB insiders linked the team to Robert right up until Opening Day.

The fit is obvious. The Reds have long needed an impact bat, and Robert carries such a tool in his bag. The former All-Star finished second in the AL Rookie of the Year voting back in 2020 and was in the MVP conversation during the 2023 season.

But a lot has changed since then. Robert has endured countless injuries over the past two years, and during what Chicago had hoped would be a bounce-back season in 2025, the 28-year-old hit just .223/.297/.364 with 14 home runs and 53 RBI. The White Sox exercised Robert's $20 million club-option for 2026, and remain confident they can find a suitor this offseason.

The Reds are not in the mix for White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr.

They might be right. But at the moment, at least, the Reds are not involved. There are, however, at least three teams who've expressed interest in trading for Robert. According to MLB insider Francys Romero, the New York Mets, Pittsburgh Pirates, and San Diego Padres are all eyeing a potential trade for the fallen star.

Romero went on to reveal that industry sources expect Robert to be traded this offseason despite his high salary, injury concerns, and sub-par 2025 season. Reds fans are undoubtedly hopeful that Cincinnati's front office doesn't fall for this trap.

Last spring, it was revealed that Chicago had a lofty price tag attached Robert. Edwin Arroyo's name came up early and often, and the White Sox were rumored to be targeting a team's top prospects in exchange for Robert.

Following his disastrous performance in 2025, one has wonder if that price has come down. Robert comes with cost control beyond the 2026 season. His contract contains another team-option for 2027 along with a $2 million buyout.

If the Reds are going to spend that much money on one player, fans would prefer to see a more reliable bat added to the roster. Former third baseman Eugenio Suárez could likely be had for that type of money, and it wouldn't cost Cincinnati any prospect capital. The Reds would do themselves a favor by remaining on the outside of any Robert trade talks this winter.