Chicago star re-enters Yankees offseason mix as Bellinger replacement
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Follow UsNEW YORK — The Yankees’ offseason outfield search has circled back to a familiar name.
More than a year after New York first explored the idea, Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. has re-emerged as a potential trade target.
Team officials have held renewed internal discussions about Robert, who turns 28 this month. While no formal negotiations have started, people familiar with the team’s thinking say the front office views him as an appealing fit because of his defensive ability, power upside, and manageable contract.
With Cody Bellinger testing free agency and Trent Grisham’s future still unclear, the timing may finally align for the Yankees to strike.
Bellinger’s exit leaves a major void
Bellinger’s decision to decline his option in October left a large hole in the Yankees’ outfield. The club extended a qualifying offer to Grisham worth $22.025 million, but there is uncertainty about whether he will accept.
That leaves Aaron Judge as the only proven outfielder under contract. Prospects Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones are available internally, yet both remain inexperienced at the major league level. The Yankees explored moving Dominguez in trade talks last year but ultimately kept him. Evaluators inside the organization are still unsure whether his defense in center field is ready for everyday duty.
General manager Brian Cashman faces a choice between committing heavily to a free agent such as Kyle Tucker or seeking value through trade. Robert represents a controllable option who brings elite defense and speed without the financial weight of a long-term deal.
Why Robert fits the Yankees’ needs
Robert’s 2025 numbers did not stand out at first glance. He batted .223 with a .297 on-base percentage, hitting 14 home runs and driving in 53 runs across 110 games. But underlying metrics told a more optimistic story. His expected OPS was nearly 100 points higher than his actual figure, suggesting misfortune rather than decline.
Robert also refined his approach at the plate, posting a career-best 9.3 percent walk rate and lowering his chase rate to a new low. His contact improved, and his overall plate discipline moved closer to league average. Those gains hint at a hitter capable of returning to his 2023 form, when he hit 38 home runs and ranked among the American League’s most dangerous sluggers.
Defense remains his strongest tool
Robert continued to anchor Chicago’s defense even as his bat cooled. He finished with seven defensive runs saved and seven outs above average in center field, ranking among baseball’s top defenders at the position. Coaches and scouts describe his range as elite and his reads as some of the sharpest in the league.
The Yankees’ front office has placed an emphasis on improving outfield defense. That goal partly explains why the club has been cautious with players whose natural position forces Aaron Judge into less comfortable roles. Robert’s ability to patrol center field would give the Yankees stability while freeing Judge to remain in right.
Speed adds an extra dimension
Robert’s athleticism remains a major asset. He stole 33 bases in 41 attempts during 2025, an 80 percent success rate that placed him among the most effective baserunners in the league. His ability to pressure defenses and create scoring chances would add an element that the Yankees have lacked in recent years.
Even during offensive slumps, his speed and defense make him a contributor. In an era that increasingly values versatility and athleticism, those skills carry significant weight.
Contract flexibility fits the Yankees’ structure
The White Sox exercised Robert’s $20 million option for 2026, giving any acquiring team control for one more guaranteed year with a club option for 2027. The deal carries no long-term obligation beyond next season.
If Robert rebounds to his 2023 production, the Yankees would land an All-Star-level player at a fair cost. If he struggles, the club could decline the option and move on after one year. The contract’s flexibility aligns with the Yankees’ payroll planning as they balance major commitments to Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Max Fried.
Robert’s salary would not affect the team’s ability to pursue other needs. For a player with elite defensive ability and All-Star upside, $20 million represents a manageable risk.
A new environment could spark revival
Robert has spent the past two seasons with a White Sox team mired in 100-loss campaigns and organizational turmoil. Some around the league believe that a change of scenery could help him rediscover his form.
Those close to Robert describe him as a quiet competitor frustrated by losing seasons and poor clubhouse conditions. Playing for a contender like the Yankees could provide motivation and structure that he has lacked in Chicago.
Asked recently about the trade speculation, Robert said he understands that baseball is a business. He added that while he would like to remain in Chicago, he would also give his best effort wherever he plays next season.
Signs of progress before injury setback
Before a hamstring injury ended his season in late August, Robert had begun to turn things around. Over his final 31 games, he hit .298 with five home runs, 18 RBIs, and 11 stolen bases. Coaches credited mechanical adjustments that simplified his swing and reduced over-aggression at the plate.
Robert said he intends to maintain those adjustments into next season and has spent the offseason strengthening his legs to avoid recurring injuries. The Yankees value durability, but they also recognize the potential reward of acquiring a player capable of MVP-level impact when healthy.
Durability remains the main question
Robert’s injury history cannot be ignored. Since debuting in 2020, he has missed extended time in four of five seasons. His only fully healthy campaign came in 2023, when he played 145 games. The Yankees, who dealt with frequent injuries in their rotation this year, are wary of adding another player with durability concerns.
Still, Robert’s combination of tools — power, speed, and defense — remains rare. Club officials view him as a potential impact player if managed properly. A deal would likely depend on Chicago’s asking price and how much risk the Yankees are willing to absorb.
The trade scenario
For now, discussions between the Yankees and White Sox have not advanced beyond internal evaluations. New York continues to survey the outfield market while waiting on developments with Bellinger and other free agents.
The White Sox, deep into a rebuild, are expected to listen on most veterans. Robert’s team-friendly contract and defensive reputation make him one of their few valuable trade chips.
If the Yankees decide to act, both organizations could find common ground. The Yankees need an athletic center fielder. The White Sox need future assets. And Robert may need a fresh start on a stage where the games matter again.
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