Luis Robert Jr. drawing trade interest from notable contender

Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. figures to be one of the more prominent names on the MLB trade market this summer, and one contender might be looking his way.

The New York Mets have already checked in on Robert, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today. Nothing is imminent, but the Mets have shown preliminary interest in the outfielder.

The White Sox have at least considered how they might match up with the Mets in a potential trade. Pitcher Blade Tidwell is one player they are looking at as a potential return.

Robert is the most valuable trade chip the White Sox have, and has been coming up in rumors for well over a year. He has struggled this year, hitting just .186 with five home runs. He does lead the AL with 15 stolen bases in 37 games.

Robert has two team options left on his contract, worth $20 million per year. In other words, any team trading for him could have him for two years beyond this season, potentially making him more valuable.

As recently as 2023, Robert was seen as one of the league’s top players and hit 38 home runs for Chicago. That season is an outlier at this point, but the 27-year-old might see some improvement if he leaves the miserable situation the White Sox are in and gets to play for a contender.