With the Chicago White Sox already out of playoff contention, they'll be one of the more obvious sellers at the MLB trade deadline. But as the White Sox diagnose their roster, Chicago expects Luis Robert Jr. to stay in town long-term.
Robert wasn't readily available during the winter and even now, the White Sox don't fell pressure to move him. Instead, Erick Fedde and Garrett Crochet have emerged as Chicago's best trade pieces, via Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Part of Robert's value comes from his years of team control. With the White Sox through 2028, Robert would be much more than just a rental for any acquiring team. But from Chicago's point of view, Robert can be a build block for years to come. If they invest in a rebuild and plot for the future, Robert's contract means he might still be on the South Side when the Sox are ready to compete.
And based off of his previous track record, Luis Robert Jr. is the kind of guy Chicago would want in their lineup.
The outfielder was a Gold Glove winner and finished second in Rookie of the Year voting after hitting .233 with 11 home runs, 31 RBI and nine stolen bases. Three seasons later, Robert had his best season to date. In 2023, Robert hit .264 with 38 home runs, 80 RBI and 20 stolen bases. He won his first Silver Slugger and was nominated to his first and still only All-Star Game.
Injuries have kept Robert from having a full season, as he has appeared in just seven games. It hasn't been pretty when healthy either, as he is hitting .214 with two home runs, four RBI and a stolen base. Still, Chicago won't fault Robert for a slow start to the season, especially one marred by injury. They still view him as a building block and a player they'd like to build around deep into the future.
Still, the White Sox have the worst record in baseball at 15-42. Already 22.5 games game of the first-place Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central, it's clear some changes will be made. And that's where Erick Fedde and Garrett Crochet come in.
Erick Fedde, Garrett Crochet's White Sox trade value
Chicago signed Fedde to a two-year, $15 million contract during the 2024. He was coming off of a successful stint in the KBO and looking to remake himself in MLB. So far during his White Sox tenure, Fedde is proving his trip overseas helped transform him into a much stronger pitcher.
Through his first 11 starts of the season, Fedde has put up a 4-1 record with a 2.80 ERA and a 58/18 K/BB ratio. It has been an impressive return and one that sets him up as an intriguing trade piece. The extra year on his deal ensures the acquiring team gets more than just a one-year guy. It may just be 11 starts, but Fedde would be an apt addition to any playoff team's starting rotation.
Crochet is in a much different situation, as he is under team control until 2027. While they could take the same approach as Robert, the White Sox seem more willing to include Crochet in a deal. Over his 12 2024 starts, Crochet holds a 5-5 record with a 3.16 ERA and a 85/14 K/BB ratio. He has looked impressive and would command a sizable return, holding a 3.16 ERA and 170/54 K/BB ratio over his four years in Chicago.
While the Sox plan to build around Luis Robert Jr., they understand some immediate changes needed to be made. When the MLB trade deadline approaches, look for Erick Fedde and Garrett Crochet to be enshrouded in rumors.
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