More than a year after trade talks stalled, the Cincinnati Reds (83-79 in 2025) have jumped back into discussions with the Chicago White Sox (71-91 in 2025) about center fielder Luis Robert Jr., according to a report from Gordon Wittenmyer of The Enquirer.

The former All-Star and Gold Glove winner has dealt with injuries and declining numbers over the past two seasons, but he still offers huge upside for a Reds team looking to make noise in 2026 under manager Terry Francona.

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Robert is under contract for $20 million in 2026 with a club option for another $20 million in 2027, and the White Sox are reportedly willing to eat about half of his 2026 salary to get a deal done.

Why the Reds Make Sense as a Trade Partner

The Reds came off a playoff berth in 2025 and need an impact bat on a limited budget, which makes Robert one of the best short-term gambles available on the trade market.

His 2023 All-Star campaign saw him smash 38 home runs and earn a Gold Glove, though he has hit just .224 and .223 over the past two seasons with 14 homers in each year while battling hip flexor and hamstring injuries that kept him off the field.

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If healthy and back to form, Robert would slot into center field and immediately give the Reds their most dangerous hitter behind superstar Elly De La Cruz, with TJ Friedl likely moving to a corner outfield spot.

At 28 years old, Robert still has the tools to be one of the best all-around outfielders in the game.

Cincinnati’s Pitching Depth Could Seal the Deal

Wittenmyer reported that the White Sox are looking for young players and near-ready prospects in trade talks, and that is where Cincinnati holds a major advantage over other suitors.

“The White Sox have sought young players and near-ready prospects in trade talks, and the Reds have a deep reserve of young pitchers with at least some big-league experience, such as Chase Petty and a pair of starters now healthy after missing a year with Tommy John surgery: right-hander Julian Aguiar and lefty Brandon Williamson.”

The Reds would be parting with pitchers who are not locks for the 2026 rotation given the club already has Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, Rhett Lowder, and the electric rookie Chase Burns all in the mix.

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Petty, a former first-round pick acquired from Minnesota, has shown flashes but is blocked by the arms ahead of him on the depth chart.

Aguiar and Williamson are both coming off Tommy John surgery and represent some risk for the rebuilding White Sox, but they also offer upside at a cheap cost.

What a Deal Could Look Like

Reds receive:

White Sox receive:

In this deal, the Reds would also likely get the White Sox to pick up around $10 million of Robert’s 2026 salary.

Cincinnati gets an impact bat who fits their win-now window under Francona, while Chicago adds three pitchers with big-league experience and upside to a rebuilding pitching staff that desperately needs young arms.

The White Sox would be betting on Petty developing into a mid-rotation starter while Aguiar and Williamson provide depth and could turn into valuable trade chips or contributors down the road.

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For the Reds, moving from a position of strength in pitching to address a clear need in the outfield makes sense as they try to take another step forward in the NL Central.