The Los Angeles Dodgers are reportedly exploring several right-handed hitting options in case outfielder Teoscar Hernández decides not to re-sign with the team, with Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox being one of the potential targets. Robert, 27, is set to earn $15 million in 2025, and has two club options for $20 million in 2026 and 2027, with no no-trade protection. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Robert is the youngest of the right-handed hitters under consideration by the Dodgers and offers the most upside, though his injury history raises concerns about his downside. Over the past four seasons, Robert has only appeared in more than 100 games once, in 2023, when he enjoyed a breakout season with 38 home runs, an .857 OPS, and a 12th-place finish in the American League MVP voting.
This isn’t the first time the Dodgers and White Sox have been linked in trade talks, as the two teams have exchanged players before. At the trade deadline, they were involved in a three-team deal with the St. Louis Cardinals, where the White Sox traded reliever Michael Kopech to the Dodgers in exchange for outfielder Miguel Vargas and two prospects. With the possibility of a deal for Robert, the White Sox are reportedly not expecting to receive multiple top prospects but are seeking a “meaningful piece” in return. As the market for top free-agent outfielders like Hernández and Anthony Santander heats up, the demand for Robert could increase.
Robert’s five-tool potential makes him an exciting prospect for any team, and in 2023, he was one of the most impressive players in Major League Baseball. He earned an All-Star selection after hitting .264 with 38 home runs, 80 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases, all while finishing 12th in MVP voting and winning a Silver Slugger Award. However, his 2023 season was not without its challenges, as he played in just 100 games due to injuries, and his performance in those games saw a dip, with only 14 home runs and 35 RBIs. Despite this, Robert remains a Gold Glove winner and is still just 27 years old, with cost-effective contract options in 2026 and 2027 that make him an appealing acquisition for teams like the Dodgers.
Robert’s former teammate, Eloy Jiménez, has praised him as the “next Mike Trout,” a testament to his talent and potential. However, injuries have hindered his ability to consistently reach elite levels of performance, making him a bit of a risk for any team that acquires him. Still, Robert’s combination of youth, talent, and affordable contract options could make him a key piece for the Dodgers as they look to solidify their roster for the future.
