Reds pursuit of Luis Robert Jr. points to a prospect most fans refuse to consider

The notion of trading for Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. seems to have split the Cincinnati Reds fanbase. Given Robert's injury history and poor performance the past two seasons, some fans see a potential trade as a risky venture. Others remember Robert's All-Star season from 2023 and believe that a change of scenery could reinvigorate the White Sox fallen star.

According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer, the trade buzz surrounding Robert is real. Though the price tag isn't thought to be significant, the White Sox continue to hold Robert in high esteem. So while some Reds fans view Robert as a below-average hitter who's not worth the asking price, Chicago's brass still sees him as the player he was two years ago.

As such, whether Reds fans like it or not, acquiring Robert will require Cincinnati to sacrifice something of value. The White Sox are said to be seeking young, controllable pitching in return, and that might require Cincinnati to part with former top prospect Chase Petty.

Chase Petty might be the price the Reds must pay in order to trade for White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr.

Petty was a top-100 prospect back in 2024 — coming in at No. 98 according to MLB Pipeline — but the right-hander endured a troublesome season in 2025. Petty appeared to lose complete command of the strike zone, and when given a chance to make his mark in big leagues, the right-hander flamed out in rather embarrassing fashion.

Petty made just three appearances in the majors last season, and his debut against the St. Louis Cardinals as part of a doubleheader ended after just 2⅓ innings. Petty allowed nine runs on seven hits, including two home runs. Petty was given another bite at the apple a few weeks later against the Houston Astros and walked six of the 20 batters he faced over three innings of work.

When Petty returned to the minor leagues following his brief time with the big-league ball club, his inability to find the zone came with him. Petty walked 46 batters in 20 games with Louisville Bats while posting an 11.5% walk rate and an unimpressive 4.95 BB/9.

While the shine appears to have come off in 2025, many assume that Petty will bounce back in 2026. He's still just 22 years old and has shown tremendous maturation since joining the Reds in 2022. He's gone from a thrower — hitting 100-plus mph on the radar gun — to a five-pitch pitcher, and has middle-of-the-rotation upside.

There are other pitchers that most Reds fans would be more comfortable trading — such as Brandon Williamson or Julian Aguiar — but if the White Sox still maintain top-tier value for Robert, they may be unwilling to part for anything less than a player of Petty's caliber.

There's also the matter of Robert's contract. He's owed $20 million in 2026, and while Chicago is said to be willing to pay down quite a bit of his salary, the better the prospect, the more money is likely to be covered by the White Sox. Given Cincinnati's tight budget, parting with Petty might be the only way to keep the cost low enough to make Robert a realistic trade candidate.