While the Chicago White Sox weren’t expected to compete in 2025, outfielder Luis Robert Jr’s struggles have been especially eyebrow raising. He has been a menace on the basepaths and remains a strong defender. But Robert has struggled just about everywhere else.
Through 45 games, Robert is hitting .182 with five home runs, 17 RBI and a league-leading 17 stolen bases. While he is drawing more walks – already having 21 compared to 2024’s 28 total, Robert has struck out 53 times. Overall, the slugger has not lived up to the expectations put on him.
But Robert is fully aware of the issue at hand. He is putting in the work daily to try and turn his season around. At the same time, Robert is trying to put his emotions to the side and focus on improving his approach, via Jack Ankony of Sports Illustrated.
“There are some days where I’m thinking too much,” Robert said through a translator. “And then I’m missing the pitches right in the heart of the strike zone.”
“I think it’s because of that, because I’m thinking too much. I think I’m thinking the pitches that are balls instead of pitches that are being thrown as strikes.”
“Everybody here works hard to get the results every day. When you are working hard and the results aren’t there, it’s sad.,” Robert said. “You feel a little sad for sure.”
Chicago White Sox hoping for quick Luis Robert Jr turnaround
If/when Robert figures things out, there’s a good chance he isn’t playing for the White Sox. The outfielder has been subject to plenty of trade rumors, spearheaded by the fact he’s under team control through 2028. As the trade deadline nears, Robert will once again be one of the hottest names on the market.
If he can return to his All-Star form, the outfielder’s value will only go up. The White Sox need as much future talent they can get for their longstanding rebuild. If Robert’s value returns to his peak, Chicago will have a much greater chance of landing premier talent.
The 27-year-old’s stolen base potential is certainly tantalizing for interested teams. However, they’ll be looking to his 2023 season when they look for his ceiling. That year, Robert was named an All-Star for the first time by hitting .264 with 38 home runs, 80 RBI and 20 stolen bases. A true 20/20 threat would benefit any team in the league.
But first, Robert must prove he can turn things around. Despite his struggles, he has remained in the middle of the order, showing the White Sox plan to give him a long leash; not that they have a choice. Point is, Robert must continue putting in the work to hopefully find his stride. A turnaround would likely make a trade more realistic than it already is, bolstering both his and the White Sox’s future.
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