Chicago White Sox Confirm $20 Million Option on Luis Robert Jr.

UPDATE: The Chicago White Sox have just confirmed they will exercise the $20 million option on center fielder Luis Robert Jr.’s contract for the 2026 season, according to sources close to the situation. This decision comes as the team continues to navigate a challenging rebuilding phase.

Robert, 27, showed flashes of his elite talent last season, hitting .223 with 14 home runs and 33 stolen bases across 110 games. Despite a rollercoaster performance over the past two years, where he struggled with injuries and consistency, the White Sox see potential in his ability to improve.

In a significant shift, Robert has notably reduced his strikeouts, dropping from 172 in 2023 to just 112 last season. However, his power numbers have decreased sharply, with only 28 home runs combined over the last two seasons after hitting 38 in 2023.

“Luis has shown improvement in his approach at the plate, which is encouraging for his future,” an unnamed source stated. “The team believes he can bounce back,” they added.

Rumors of Robert being traded have circulated since early 2024, as the White Sox initiated a comprehensive rebuild. However, the organization has held firm on demanding a substantial return for the talented player, citing his previous successes, including an impressive .857 OPS in 2023 when he played a career-high 145 games.

Despite the optimism surrounding his potential, Robert’s performance has been inconsistent. His OPS dipped to .657 in 2024 and slightly improved to .661 in 2025, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike.

As the White Sox look ahead, they also hold another option on Robert for 2027. The team’s decision to retain him signals confidence in his ability to reclaim his status among the league’s elite talents.

Fans and analysts will be watching closely as the White Sox continue their rebuilding efforts and assess Robert’s performance in the upcoming season. Will he rise to the occasion or face another challenging year? Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.