White Sox just gave the Reds every reason to walk away from a Luis Robert Jr. trade

Luis Robert Jr. has long seemed the perfect fit for the Cincinnati Reds’ outfield: a controllable power bat whose purchase price has fluctuated due to inconsistent performance. Coming off a terrible 2024, Robert was a frequent subject of speculation in the offseason. His 2025 has been even worse, but competition from contenders may be pricing out the small-market Reds.

The New York Mets, in particular, are in play and are allegedly setting the bar for trade pieces. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reports that the White Sox have asked for third baseman Mark Vientos in exchange for Robert.

While Vientos is in a down-year, he had a huge season in 2024 and has yet to hit arbitration. For a Reds squad committed to retaining its young core, the White Sox asking price may be too high.

The Mets interest in Luis Robert Jr. may drive the price too high for the Reds

The White Sox, who were allegedly aiming for prospects in the offseason, may now be eyeing established big leaguers. The Mets could part ways with Vientos and cover the hole at third with Brett Baty, who is coming into his own defensively, and rookie Ronny Mauricio. They could even swing a three-team deal and land both Robert and a third baseman like Eugenio Suárez. The Reds, on the other hand, don’t have the clout or the depth to make such a deal.

Cincinnati has a few Major Leaguers that could stand in for Vientos in a similar deal. Christian Encarnacion-Strand, who is currently at Triple-A due to poor performance, could be paired with a prospect, for example. Other controllable big leaguers, such as Tyler Stephenson and Matt McLain, would leave a hole in the lineup with a prospect ready to fill it. If only the Reds still had Jonathan India for this deal…

The Reds clearly still need help, even in the midst of a hot streak. Cincinnati’s right-handed bats rank in the bottom third of the league in most offensive categories. The oft-injured Robert isn’t the answer, especially if it means parting with a big leaguer who could be part of the Reds’ long-term plan. Taylor Ward or Ramón Laureano may be more reasonable — and cheaper — options for a Reds trade upgrade.

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