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

UPDATE: The Chicago White Sox have officially confirmed they will activate the $20 million option on center fielder Luis Robert Jr.‘s contract for the 2026 season, according to sources speaking with ESPN. This decision comes as the team looks to solidify its roster amid ongoing rebuilding efforts.

Luis Robert Jr., now 27 years old, had a challenging season in 2025, posting a batting average of just .223 alongside 14 home runs and 33 stolen bases in 110 games. Although he has struggled with injuries and consistency over the past two years, his potential remains high due to his elite athleticism and skill set.

Notably, Robert has made strides in reducing his strikeouts, a critical aspect of his development. After recording 172 strikeouts in 2023, he managed to drop that number to 141 in 2024 and only 112 last season. However, this improvement has not translated to power, as his home run total has dramatically decreased from 38 in 2023 to just 28 over the last two seasons combined.

The White Sox have faced trade inquiries regarding Robert since their prolonged rebuilding phase began in early 2024. The team has insisted on a substantial return, highlighting Robert’s previous success, including an impressive .857 OPS in 2023 when he played a career-high 145 games. Unfortunately, his performance has dipped, with OPS figures of .657 in 2024 and .661 in 2025, which has limited trade offers.

Robert’s current 6-year, $50 million contract comes to an end after this season, but the White Sox also hold a $20 million option for 2027. This decision to exercise the option indicates the team’s belief in his potential to bounce back and contribute significantly in the coming years.

As the situation evolves, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Robert adapts and whether he can reclaim his form as a key player for the White Sox. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.