The Cincinnati Reds are making moves this offseason, and their latest target could address a glaring need in center field.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Chicago White Sox are actively engaged in trade discussions with both the Reds and the New York Mets about outfielder Luis Robert Jr.
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“Next up for the Chicago White Sox after the Munetaka Murakami signing: They still would like to move CF Luis Robert for pitching depth and are engaged in talks with the New York Mets and Cincinnati Reds,” Nightengale wrote on Sunday.
What Robert Jr. Brings to the Table
The 28-year-old Cuban star would immediately upgrade Cincinnati’s outfield defense and add a dynamic element to their lineup.
Robert finished 2025 with a .223 batting average, 14 home runs, 53 RBI, and 33 stolen bases across 110 games for a White Sox team that went 60-102, though his season was cut short by a hamstring injury in September.
His elite center field defense remains a major selling point, as he posted seven Outs Above Average in 2025, putting him in the 93rd percentile among outfielders, and his sprint speed ranks in the 90th percentile league-wide.
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While his recent offensive numbers have dipped compared to his breakout 2023 campaign when he smashed 38 home runs and earned All-Star honors along with a Silver Slugger Award, Robert’s combination of power, speed, and gold-glove-caliber defense makes him an intriguing target for a Reds team that went 83-79 in 2025 and earned a Wild Card spot before falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the opening round.
The Trade Package Question
The White Sox are seeking pitching depth in any potential deal, and that’s where things get interesting for Cincinnati.
The Reds have built one of baseball’s deeper pitching systems, headlined by prospects like Rhett Lowder and Chase Burns, but parting with top-tier arms for a player coming off back-to-back down seasons presents real risk.
A more realistic package could involve a veteran arm like Brady Singer, who posted a 14-12 record with a 4.03 ERA and 163 strikeouts for the Reds in 2025, along with a mid-tier prospect or a salary offset.
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Robert is owed $20 million for 2026 with a $20 million club option for 2027, so how much money Chicago is willing to eat will significantly impact the prospect cost.
Why It Makes Sense for Cincinnati
The Reds need help in center field after struggling at the position throughout 2025, and Robert’s defensive ability alone would be a major upgrade.
If he can recapture even a portion of his 2023 form at the plate, the deal becomes a potential steal for a team looking to compete in an NL Central that remains wide open.
Whether Cincinnati ultimately lands Robert or gets outbid by the Mets, the Reds are serious about building a contender in 2026.