Robert Option Picked Up

[WhiteSox2023]

1 hour ago, southsider2k5 said:

Let's just say we have a type. 

Did I miss any?

1.)  Former top prospect

2.)  Has since lost top prospect status after failing miserably in majors early in career

3.)  Plays multiple positions but none proficiently

4.)  Has played 2B which is just icing on the cake to Getz

5.)  Can’t hit a lick with little to no power.

Edited Thursday at 04:53 AM by WhiteSox2023

[caulfield12]

9 minutes ago, WhiteSox2023 said:

Did I miss any?

1.)  Former top prospect

2.)  Has since lost top prospect status after failing miserably in majors early in career

3.)  Plays multiple positions but none proficiently

4.)  Has played 2B which is just icing on the cake to Getz

5.)  Can’t hit a lick with little to no power.

Madrigal N.Lopez Shewmake Murray Vargas Meade J.Gonzalez Meidroth (maybe not all top prospects or first rounders but a general type)

Romy Gonzalez could at least hit.
 

We’ll see if OBP and more doubles can carry Meidroth.  And time will tell about Antonacci and Carlson.

Not sure if Baldwins fits, but no standout defensive position.  Did show more power in 2025 than previous years.

[CaliSoxFanViaSWside]

7 hours ago, Chicago White Sox said:

I’d definitely add a veteran OF if we end up moving Robert.  I love me some Brooks Baldwin and want to see him get everyday at-bats whether in one spot or moved across the field.  He put up a 119 wRC+ after July 1st and should be given a chance to improve his defense in the OF.  Pereira is an interesting low stakes gamble, but I would not just hand him a job.  Pencil him in as a platoon partner for someone (Baldwin for now) and make him force his way into more playing time.  If Robert goes, see if you can find another Tauchman like guy on the cheap.

I'm with you on Baldwin. I just love the underdog everyone keeps wanting to pencil into a superutility role. Screw that, we need more speed , lefties (SH) ,OF's & power. The defense will get better with more reps and coaches in his ears. 

[joejoesox]

9 hours ago, WhiteSox2023 said:

Did I miss any?

1.)  Former top prospect

2.)  Has since lost top prospect status after failing miserably in majors early in career

3.)  Plays multiple positions but none proficiently

4.)  Has played 2B which is just icing on the cake to Getz

5.)  Can’t hit a lick with little to no power.

6) costs almost nothing 

[CaliSoxFanViaSWside]

On 12/3/2025 at 9:03 PM, caulfield12 said:

Madrigal N.Lopez Shewmake Murray Vargas Meade J.Gonzalez Meidroth (maybe not all top prospects or first rounders but a general type)

Romy Gonzalez could at least hit.
 

We’ll see if OBP and more doubles can carry Meidroth.  And time will tell about Antonacci and Carlson.

Not sure if Baldwins fits, but no standout defensive position.  Did show more power in 2025 than previous years.

Keep your eyes on Antonacci . Very strong AFL results. Sox enamored with his OBP, bat to ball skills and want more LHH on the infield. He could be a quick mover due to his work ethic. 

[WestEddy]

Mock Trade Season!! Noah Phalen of SouthSideShowdown takes a whack at Robert trades with the Mets, Reds, Giants and Phillies.

One Luis Robert Jr. mock trade for each of his rumored best fits

[fathom]

Baty was actually good last year.  If they were willing to deal him for Robert, you take it 1 for 1

[caulfield12]

Baty had a 3.1 bWAR last year.

Mets will keep him as their starter at 3B unless they sign Bregman.

And Semien at 2B really pushes out Acuna more so than anyone else.

Plus, he only has 3-4 more expensive years of control remaining.

 

Would also push out either Vargas OR Chase Meidroth...who some protection systems expect to lead the Sox in fWAR.

[fathom]

Baty to third, Vargas to first and Sosa is traded

Edited 13 hours ago by fathom

[Chicago White Sox]

IMO, Robert needs to be traded for an OF ideally.  I think you got to go with Colson at SS, Meidroth at 2B, & Vargas at 3B for the first half of this season and see what you have there.  Mead and Sosa can rotate in there as well (and elsewhere), but I want us to have a sense of whether Meidroth is a legit regular (which I believe he will be) vs. a nice reserve infielder and whether Vargas can handle 3B defensively.

And after them, you still have Antonacci coming fast and maybe Ramos depending on what happens with his development and option situation.  Long term, you hope that Carlson & Bonemer are pushing for spots and we probably end up with a SS at the top of the draft next year.  That ignores a bunch of other semi interesting infielder prospects throughout the org.

Our OF depth is still incredibly weak and even moreso in CF.  If at all possible, try to cash in Robert for an OF prospect that can potentially with Braden to fill two of the three holes long-term.

Edited 13 hours ago by Chicago White Sox

[Bob Sacamano]

12 minutes ago, Chicago White Sox said:

IMO, Robert needs to be traded for an OF ideally.  I think you got to go with Colson at SS, Meidroth at 2B, & Vargas at 3B for the first half of this season and see what you have there.  Mead and Sosa can rotate in there as well (and elsewhere), but I want us to have a sense of whether Meidroth is a legit regular (which I believe he will be) vs. a nice reserve infielder and whether Vargas can handle 3B defensively.

And after them, you still have Antonacci coming fast and maybe Ramos depending on what happens with his development and option situation.  Long term, you hope that Carlson & Bonemer are pushing for spots and we probably end up with a SS at the top of the draft next year.  That ignores a bunch of other semi interesting infielder prospects throughout the org.

Our OF depth is still incredibly weak and even moreso in CF.  If at all possible, try to cash in Robert for an OF prospect that can potentially with Braden to fill two of the three holes long-term.

Gimme the big red dog!

[Chicago White Sox]

12 minutes ago, Bob Sacamano said:

Gimme the big red dog!

Hell yeah!!

[Jake]

Baty isn't exactly close to FA, but I wonder whether Getz would want to take someone with "only" 4 seasons before FA as the centerpiece of a deal for Robert.

[southsider2k5]

3 minutes ago, Jake said:

Baty isn't exactly close to FA, but I wonder whether Getz would want to take someone with "only" 4 seasons before FA as the centerpiece of a deal for Robert.

Man I hope not.

[Tnetennba]

2 hours ago, fathom said:

Baty to third, Vargas to first and Sosa is traded

The problem with all three of those guys is that they aren’t an ideal fit at any position around the diamond, save for Baty at 2B. Hard to be excited about two corner infield spots begging for an upgrade.

[WestEddy]

ESPN ESPNing:

Trade proposals that would rock MLB's 2025 winter meetings - ESPN

The Chicago White Sox should trade Luis Robert to the ...

Kansas City Royals

Rumor mill whispering has connected the Royals with Boston's Jarren Duran for the hefty price of Cole Ragans, a swap I can't abide. The Royals have starting pitching depth, but they don't have ace depth and Ragans must stay. Duran isn't an ideal defensive fit for Kauffman Stadium if you view him as a center fielder, and the Royals need to upgrade at that spot badly.

Enter Robert, whose work on strike zone judgment seemed to be paying off in the latter stages of last season. He's younger than Duran and has more power upside without sacrificing speed and defense. The Royals' new hitting staff is hyper-focused on improving pitch recognition, and I'd love for them to be new voices in Robert's ear. The Royals could keep Ragans and modulate their rotation/prospect return based on Chicago's willingness to pay down some of Robert's $20 million for next season. Alas, this would be more palatable from a payroll perspective if the Royals had not already committed $8 million to run it back with Jonathan India. -- Doolittle

[WestEddy]

I guess this is good for the Robert market? 

 

Twins plan to keep their stars. Story: https://t.co/CcNL4eBIMW

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 5, 2025

 

[caulfield12]

2 hours ago, WestEddy said:

ESPN ESPNing:

Trade proposals that would rock MLB's 2025 winter meetings - ESPN

The Chicago White Sox should trade Luis Robert to the ...

Kansas City Royals

Rumor mill whispering has connected the Royals with Boston's Jarren Duran for the hefty price of Cole Ragans, a swap I can't abide. The Royals have starting pitching depth, but they don't have ace depth and Ragans must stay. Duran isn't an ideal defensive fit for Kauffman Stadium if you view him as a center fielder, and the Royals need to upgrade at that spot badly.

Enter Robert, whose work on strike zone judgment seemed to be paying off in the latter stages of last season. He's younger than Duran and has more power upside without sacrificing speed and defense. The Royals' new hitting staff is hyper-focused on improving pitch recognition, and I'd love for them to be new voices in Robert's ear. The Royals could keep Ragans and modulate their rotation/prospect return based on Chicago's willingness to pay down some of Robert's $20 million for next season. Alas, this would be more palatable from a payroll perspective if the Royals had not already committed $8 million to run it back with Jonathan India. -- Doolittle

Thought we didn't help out divisional rivals?

Doesn't say what KC would be willing to give up.

Probably Bergert OR Kolek.

 

Knowing their fixation for overhyped utility players, probably India instead. 

Btw Baty has four more years of control, through 2029.

Service Time

2.088

MiLB Options

1

Free Agent

2030

Arb Eligible

2027

Edited 9 hours ago by caulfield12

[southsider2k5]

15 minutes ago, caulfield12 said:

Thought we didn't help out divisional rivals?

Doesn't say what KC would be willing to give up.

Probably Bergert OR Kolek.

 

Knowing their fixation for overhyped utility players, probably India instead. 

Btw Baty has four more years of control, through 2029.

Service Time

2.088

MiLB Options

1

Free Agent

2030

Arb Eligible

2027

Do they have a failed former top prospect who never panned out?  How about an over the hill utility player?  Maybe both??

[caulfield12]

7 minutes ago, southsider2k5 said:

Do they have a failed former top prospect who never panned out?  How about an over the hill utility player?  Maybe both??

Foster Griffin, another pitcher coming back from Asia.

Former Royals' #1 pick, will land somewhere between Ponce and Kay on the salary scale.

https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/chicago-cubs-trade-free-agent-rumors-ideas/201899/cubs-free-agent-target-foster-griffin

Edited 8 hours ago by caulfield12

[CWSpalehoseCWS]

I'm convinced Robert needs to be moved in order for Getz to keep adding to this team. That $20M is likely taking up whatever pathetic budget Getz has to work with.

[Bob Sacamano]

3 minutes ago, CWSpalehoseCWS said:

I'm convinced Robert needs to be moved in order for Getz to keep adding to this team. That $20M is likely taking up whatever pathetic budget Getz has to work with.

Yeah, I think this is the offseason he finally moves, probably next week.

[Bob Sacamano]

Shared because you would assume Sox are in the mix in some trade talk.

Edited 8 hours ago by Bob Sacamano

[southsider2k5]

9 minutes ago, Bob Sacamano said:

Shared because you would assume Sox are in the mix in some trade talk.

We will know very soon with the winter meetings quickly approaching. 

[CWSpalehoseCWS]

3 hours ago, Bob Sacamano said:

Shared because you would assume Sox are in the mix in some trade talk.

We can only hope. Feels like we hear stuff like this every year and the meetings end up a massive dud.