As spring training approaches, the Royals might be done making moves, with general manager J.J. Picollo stating in December that the team was 75% done with their offseason goals. The Royals have already accomplished their key objectives by re-signing Michael Wacha and adding Jonathan India as an on-base hitter.
However, there’s still a chance the Royals could strengthen their offense through a trade for a middle-of-the-order bat, as they were rumored to do earlier in the offseason. One potential target is White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr., who is reportedly available for the “right deal,” according to Chicago reporter Bruce Levine.
Robert, a Cuban-born player, debuted with the White Sox in 2020, earning a second-place finish in Rookie of the Year voting and winning a Gold Glove in center field. After missing three months in 2021 due to a hip injury, he returned to form, hitting .338 with 13 home runs in just 68 games. He battled injuries in 2022, limiting him to 98 games, but had a stellar 2023 season, hitting .264/.315/.542 with 38 home runs and 20 steals. He made his only All-Star appearance and finished 12th in MVP voting.
Unfortunately, Robert suffered a hip flexor injury early in 2024, missing two months. When he returned, he wasn’t quite the same and had a rough final two months, ending the season with a disappointing .224/.278/.379 line and a career-worst OPS+ of 87.
Despite his inconsistent track record, Robert has high upside. He has the power to thrive at Kauffman Stadium, as 32 of his 38 home runs in 2023 would have cleared the fences there. His speed would add a valuable element to the lineup, though his strikeout rate of 30% over the past two seasons is among the highest in the league. Still, Robert excels defensively in center field.
At just 27 years old, Robert’s contract is flexible. He is set to earn $15 million in 2024, with two club options at $20 million each and a $2 million buyout. While there’s been some disconnect between what the White Sox want for Robert and what other teams are willing to offer, the Royals could see his upside as worth the gamble.
A potential trade could involve a top-five prospect (excluding Jac Caglianone or Blake Mitchell), along with a player like Michael Massey, a Chicago native, and possibly a lesser prospect. Though it would be a risk, the Royals may be in a position to take that gamble. The White Sox are familiar with the Royals’ organization, so a deal might be within reach.
