The 28-year-old hit .223/.297/.364 with an 84 wRC+ in 110 games for the White Sox this year. His first half was particularly brutal, as he hit just .185/.270/.313 with a 63 wRC+ in 70 games through June 25, when he suffered a left hamstring strain that would put him on the injured list a few days later. Robert struck out in 30.9% of his plate appearances, but only marginally improved from his 33.2% rate last year. He had a 10.2% walk rate, but for the most part he continued the offensive decline that started with an 84 wRC+ season in 2024.
His second half was a marked improvement. Robert returned from the IL on July 8 and hit .293/.349/.459 with a 124 wRC+ in his next 146 plate appearances. After experiencing little batted ball luck in the first half of the season (.245 BABIP), he benefited from a positive regression upon his return (.317 BABIP). He also lowered his strikeout rate to 16.4% in the second half, dropping that mark to 26.0% on the season. His rebound was enough for the White Sox to retain Robert at the deadline despite interest from several clubs. Unfortunately, he suffered another left hamstring strain and was placed on the IL in late August, which ultimately ended his season.
The end result was a season worth 1.3 WAR, according to FanGraphs. Looking at the bigger picture, it’s clear that Robert has fallen from the heights of his 2023 season, when he posted a 129 wRC+ and hit 38 home runs in a career-high 145 games while earning an All-Star nod. That was the fourth season of a six-year, $50 million extension Robert signed in January 2020, which was then a record for a player yet to debut in the Majors. Robert’s production in 2020-23 made it seem like a good deal, but his slump in 2024-25 (despite the second-half rebound) made the club’s $20 million option for 2026 look a lot more expensive.
Ultimately, the team chose the option rather than paying Robert a $2 million buyout. On the face of it, that $18 million net worth was a lot for an injury-prone player who had spent two years below average, especially for a club that was on the mend. The move may have been prompted by the lack of standout midfielders in free agency. Trent Grisham had a strong year in 2025, but accepted the qualifying bid instead of testing the market. Cody Bellinger is still available, but at this stage of his career he is a corner outfielder. Harrison Bader is an exceptional defender and will do well on a multi-year contract, although his career-best offensive performance in 2025 was partly the product of a well-hit ball fortune (.359).
The club hopes Robert will have a decent offensive performance in 2026, which would make him a solid trade candidate at next year’s deadline. Still, it’s not surprising that teams are now doing their due diligence, despite Getz’s previous comments. Eight teams were interested in Robert at this year’s deadline, including the Mets and Padres. The Mets used it the most Tyrone Taylor in center in 2025, but he only posted a 70 wRC+ in 341 plate appearances. They tried to upgrade by trading for Carlo Mullinsbut he himself posted a 66 wRC+ in 143 plate appearances and left for the Rays in free agency. The club has perspective Carson Benge knock on the door. A trade for Robert would be affordable for a club with a high payroll and would give them an everyday center fielder if they want to easily propel Benge to the majors.
The Padres and Pirates are more curious offenses. The former has Jackson Merrill firmly anchored in the center. He’s coming off a 3.0 fWAR season and signed an extension in April that guarantees him $135 million through 2034. Robert could be an upgrade at DH, but that wouldn’t be the best use of him as he’s still a solid defender and posts 7 OAA at center in 2025. RosterResource currently pegs San Diego at a salary of $201 million in 2026, up from $211 million this year. Team president John Seidler recently indicated that the team will operate at approximately the same salary level. They would need the White Sox to cover at least half of Robert’s salary to make an offseason trade possible, and that’s before leaving room for other additions.
Meanwhile, the Pirates have shown a greater willingness to spend this offseason. They made an offer of $80 million Josh Naylor and were willing to pay Kyle Schwarber $120-$125MM before reemerging with the Phillies. That said, Robert is clearly not on the same level as Naylor or Schwarber. Pittsburgh has that too Oneil Cruz under control through 2028. Like Robert, Cruz had a below-average offensive output in 2025 (86 wRC+), but Cruz is much more affordable, with a projected salary of $3.6 million in his first turn through arbitration compared to Robert’s guaranteed $20 million. Pittsburgh may just be doing their due diligence, although the most likely outcome is Robert staying in Chicago for the entire offseason.
Photo courtesy of Matt Marton, Imagn Images
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