The MLB offseason has picked up considerable momentum in recent days, with clubs making the most of the Winter Meetings in Florida to strike major free agent deals. As usual, the flurry of signings has also sparked a wave of trade speculation, much of which never materializes. Still, some rumors are noteworthy, especially when they involve high-profile talent.
One such situation centers on Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr., who has reportedly drawn interest from multiple teams, including the San Diego Padres. Over the weekend, MLB insider Francys Romero indicated that the Padres, New York Mets, and Pittsburgh Pirates are among the clubs monitoring Robert Jr.’s availability. Romero added that several industry sources believe there is a strong possibility the All-Star outfielder is dealt at some point this offseason.
Chicago’s motivation is understandable given the direction of the franchise. The White Sox are coming off their third consecutive season with more than 100 losses, and Robert Jr.’s trajectory with the organization has stalled. While once viewed as a cornerstone player, his recent performance has not matched earlier expectations, and a roster shakeup appears increasingly likely as the team looks toward the future.
During the 2025 season, Robert Jr. appeared in 110 games and produced the least efficient offensive numbers of his career. He finished with a .223 batting average and a .661 OPS, while recording 14 home runs and 53 runs batted in. Those figures marked a step back from previous seasons, though there was one notable positive. At age 28, he set a career high with 33 stolen bases, reinforcing his value as a power and speed threat even during a down year at the plate.
For San Diego, a potential trade would come with positional considerations. Center field is firmly occupied by 22-year-old standout Jackson Merrill, making a position change likely if Robert Jr. were acquired. Left field stands out as a clear area for improvement, particularly with Jason Heyward currently projected as the starter.
If the Padres were able to complete a deal, they would be betting on upside. Robert Jr. remains a rare combination of athleticism, speed, and pop, and a change of scenery could be exactly what he needs to rediscover his form and reestablish himself as one of the league’s more dynamic outfielders.