Baseball insider Jim Bowden of The Athletic has suggested a bold trade proposal that could significantly alter the MLB landscape. The Cincinnati Reds could make a move to acquire the talented centerfielder Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox, enhancing both their lineup and outfield. According to Bowden, Robert would be an excellent fit for the Reds, a team in need of additional power in their batting order and a defensive upgrade in the outfield. Despite his career being marked by some inconsistency on both offense and defense, and a history of injuries, Robert brings impressive credentials to the table. He has won a Gold Glove Award, hit 38 home runs in a single season, and stolen more than 20 bases in the last two years. Additionally, Robert is under team control for three more seasons, making him a valuable long-term asset.
In terms of the proposed trade, Bowden suggests the White Sox would be looking for major-league-ready talent or position-player prospects in return. The Reds are well-positioned to meet these needs, with a deep pool of prospects. Bowden recommends that the Reds could offer their top shortstop prospect, Tyson Lewis, along with one of their third-base prospects, either Sal Stewart or Cam Collier. This trade would be a reasonable move for the Reds, as they have organizational depth at both shortstop and third base. Already, Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, and Noelvi Marte are playing at the major league level, while Edwin Arroyo, their top infield prospect, remains in the minors. Therefore, the Reds have the resources to make this deal while still maintaining a strong future core.
This trade would benefit both teams. For the Reds, adding Robert to their growing group of young stars would help propel them into a serious playoff contender. Players like De La Cruz, who had a breakout season with 25 home runs and 67 stolen bases, along with rising talents such as Hunter Greene, Spencer Steer, Tyler Stephenson, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand, form an exciting foundation. Acquiring Robert would add a potent bat and a Gold Glove-caliber defender to their outfield, solidifying an already promising team.
The Reds also had a weak showing in center field during 2024, posting a lackluster .220/.303/.408 slash line. Robert’s defensive ability would immediately upgrade this position. From a financial perspective, Robert’s contract is also favorable for Cincinnati, with a salary of $15 million in 2025, and team options for 2026 and 2027 worth $20 million each, accompanied by a modest $2 million buyout. This makes Robert an affordable option for the Reds as they continue to build their competitive roster.
Ultimately, the trade offers a mutually beneficial scenario, where the Reds add a key player to their lineup, while the White Sox receive valuable prospects to help fuel their future rebuild.
