Thwarted Reds-White Sox blockbuster trade forced Cincy to pivot to Austin Hays deal

So close.

Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr.
Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. | Thearon W. Henderson/GettyImages

The Cincinnati Reds were this close to making a blockbuster trade that would have turned the fanbase upside down. But alas, the deal fell through and president of baseball operations Nick Krall pivoted. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required), the Reds had a deal in place for Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr., but the two sides could not find common ground.

According to Rosenthal, the Reds and White Sox were hammering out a deal for Robert that included Cincinnati's top infield prospect Edwin Arroyo. There were no doubt more players discussed as part of this failed trade, but Arroyo was the only name revealed.

But it wasn't just the return; there were salary implications as well. According to sources, Cincinnati was attempting to get Chicago to pay down some of Robert's remaining salary. The White Sox slugger is owed $15 million this season with club options for both 2026 and 2027. In the end, the deal fell apart, and it now appears that Robert will open the 2025 season with the South Siders.

Thwarted Reds-White Sox blockbuster trade for Luis Robert Jr. forced Cincy to pivot to Austin Hays deal

Robert has been a popular name among Reds fans this offseason. The former All-Star is seen as an eilte bat from the right side that would slot in perfectly into Cincinnati's beleaguered outfield. While talks to acquire Robert may be ongoing, and even bleed into the regular season, Krall found it imperative to act. After failing to come to an agreement with the White Sox, the Reds pivoted to Austin Hays.

Hays' deal with Cincinnati has yet to become official, but it seems as though the only thing gumming up the works is a completed physical. If everything checks out, Reds fans should expect to see the deal finalized in the coming days.

But it sure would've been nice to have Robert in the fold. Though he's struggled to stay healthy of late, Robert put up All-Star numbers in 2023. If the former Silver Slugger returns to form, Krall and Co. will be kicking themselves for failing to work out a deal.

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