White Sox quietly block Reds' path to free agent upgrade

If the Cincinnati Reds want to add Luis Robert Jr. to their roster this offseason, they're going to have to make a trade with the Chicago White Sox. The South Siders stated their intentions to pick up Robert's $20-million option earlier this year, and on Tuesday they followed through with their objective.

Robert has been tied to Cincinnati for the better part of a year, and those Reds rumors will surely return this winter. Robert's injury history and poor performance in 2025 are sure to disuade a number of would-be suitors, and unless the White Sox are willing to eat a good portion of his salary, there's little chance the Reds will look to acquire the former All-Star.

Reds' only path to land Luis Robert Jr. is through a trade after White Sox pick up his option for 2026

Robert's 2025 season was arguably one of his worst. The 28-year-old spent time on the injured list once again, and only hit .223/.297/.364 with an 84 wRC+. Over the past two seasons combined, Robert has only managed to suit up for 210 out of a possible 324 games (64%), and Reds fans know all too well that the best ability is avail-ability.

The White Sox, however, remain confident that they'll be able to secure a lofty prospect-laden trade package that will more than justify their latest transaction. An offseason trade is certainly possible, but the more likely scenario might be for Chicago to go into the 2026 season with Robert on the roster and then look to deal him at next year's MLB trade deadline. With one more $20 million team-option still attached to his contract, this might be their best strategy.

Robert has superstar-type talent, but hasn't shown it since the 2023 season. While the Reds are desperate to find a top-flight outfielder this offseason, adding Robert would've been much more plausible if he were a free agent.

As it stands now, the Reds are holding all the cards if the two organizations restart negotations this winter. If the White Sox's trade demands remain the same as they were last spring, the Reds will assuredly terminate those talks almost immediately.