I really like the potential of Luis Robert Jr. He’s only one season removed from a 38 HR/5 WAR season. But even if you get 2020-2022 production, he’d be a really dynamic RF.

He’s often injured, but unlike Hayes, it isn’t the same injury each time:

  • Hand — Aug. 18, 2020.
  • Illness — April 27, 2021.
  • Hip — May 2, 2021.
  • Groin — April 21, 2022.
  • COVID-19 — May 24, 2022.
  • Illness — July 15, 2022.
  • Wrist — Aug. 12, 2022
  • Hand/Wrist — Sept. 15, 2022.
  • Wrist — Sept. 24, 2022.
  • Hamstring — April 29, 2023.
  • Hip — May 23, 2023.
  • Calf — July 10, 2023.
  • Finger — Aug. 9 2023.
  • Quad — Sept. 2, 2023
  • Knee — Sept. 24, 2023.
  • Hip — April 5, 2024.

I get it. That’s a ridiculous number of injuries. But look at what he did in 2023 through six of those injuries. The hip flexor strain appears to be the biggest concern. But he enters the 2025 season fully recovered.

The White Sox would seem to be an idea trade partner for the skinflint Buccos. Robert Jr. is signed for $15M in 2025 and $20M for each of 2026 and 2027. Chicago is in rebuild mode and would likely take a collection of prospects for Robert Jr, and would pay some of Robert Jr.’s contract to get better players in return.

The Pirates could easily afford the contract, mind you, but we know financial flexibility is always a goal. So imagine the White Sox throw in $5M/season to offset the cost in exchange for a better set of prospects.

Questions for you:

  1. How would you feel about trading for Luis Robert Jr. given his injury history?
  2. What would you be willing to give up, assuming the White Sox are picking up $15M of the $55M he is owed?

11 comments

  2. I’m into it as long as we send lower level guys and not guys who will be ready in the next year or two. He was terrible last year and is an injury risk but comes with the potential to put up a 5 WAR season. If he sucks we can cut losses with him after 1 year, and if he is good we have him for 3 at a decently cheap price.

    The Sox also need to drop their absurd evaluation of him and come to the table in reality. 2 or 3 10-30 org ranked guys should do it and I think this is one move the Pirates really want to make but are waiting on the Sox to budge.

  3. Robert offers probably the highest ceiling we could realistically get, but man there’s a ton of ways that could wrong.

    All said, he’s the only legit star potential guy we can put on this team so I say fuck it and go all in

  6. He is the one guy out there I’d really like them to take the swing at. I’m not quite sure about compensation I’d be comfortable with bc of the injuries, but if you’re going to take a big risk, this is the guy to do it for imo

  9. I followed the Sox closely when I was living in Chi, and I wonder how much injury proneness will go down once he plays for another team. The Sox training and rehab programs were a constant source of ire among fans, with good reason. I really like the move because it would mean that they’d put Cruz in one of the corners, and finally end that huge hole on the teamm

  10. they need an OF or two who can hit. one isn’t gonna fall out of a tree and their system doesn’t have much. it might be a risk, but i’d try to make a move for LRJ personally.

  11. How bout we sign legit players then at the deadline we trade prospects to shore any needs

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