Chicago White Sox retain Luis Robert Jr. with a $20 million option for 2026, showcasing his potential despite modest 2025 stats.

The Chicago White Sox have exercised the $20 million club option on center fielder Luis Robert Jr.’s contract for the 2026 season, according to ESPN’s Jesse Rogers, keeping the talented but injury-prone outfielder in the organization for at least one more year.

Robert, 27, posted modest numbers in 2025, hitting .223 with 14 home runs across 110 games. While those statistics don’t jump off the page, they represent part of a larger developmental arc for the Cuban outfielder who continues to possess an elite skill set.

The most encouraging trend has been Robert’s improved plate discipline. After striking out 172 times in 2023, that number dropped to 141 in 2024 and further declined to just 112 in 2025. The reduction reflects better pitch recognition and fewer swings at balls outside the strike zone.

Alongside the improved plate discipline, Robert also set a career high with 33 stolen bases in 2025.

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Trade Market Complications

Robert has been a fixture in trade rumors since the White Sox began their extensive rebuild at the start of 2024. However, Chicago has maintained high asking prices, pointing to his 2023 success when he played a career-high 145 games and produced at an All-Star level.

The combination of injury concerns and inconsistent production has limited trade interest, with potential suitors hesitant to meet the White Sox’s valuation. By exercising the option, Chicago maintains control while potentially allowing Robert to rebuild his trade value.

Future Flexibility

The decision keeps Robert under team control through 2026, with another $20 million option available for 2027. This gives the White Sox flexibility to either showcase Robert for a potential trade or integrate him into their long-term plans as the rebuild progresses.

For a team in the midst of a comprehensive overhaul, retaining a player with Robert’s upside, despite recent struggles, represents a calculated bet on talent over recent performance.