NEW YORK — The Yankees’ prolonged pursuit of Cody Bellinger has forced the front office to explore alternative options, with the Chicago White Sox’s Luis Robert Jr. emerging as a potential pivot despite his recent struggles and expensive contract.
The organization checked in on Robert during trade discussions, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman. The 28-year-old outfielder carries a $20 million salary for 2026, but his production over the past two seasons has raised questions about whether he can return to the form that once made him one of baseball’s most exciting young players.
Robert hit just .223 with 14 home runs in 110 games last season for Chicago. His second-half surge offers some optimism, as he posted a .298 average with an .808 OPS after the All-Star break. New York believes a change of scenery could unlock the explosive talent that produced a 4.9 WAR season and 38 home runs in 2023.
Bellinger stalemate pushes Yankees toward trade market
Negotiations with Bellinger remain at an impasse. ESPN’s Buster Olney reported the Yankees are now operating under the assumption Bellinger will sign elsewhere, despite offering a five-year deal worth between $155 million and $160 million with no deferrals.
The Cubs outfielder seeks a longer commitment, potentially six or seven years. That demand created a gap neither side has closed as spring training approaches. Bellinger turned down a $25 million option for 2026 to pursue a larger payday in free agency after hitting .272 with 29 home runs and 98 RBIs last season.
General manager Brian Cashman acknowledged the challenge during the Winter Meetings. He noted the team must balance aggressive roster building with existing financial commitments to Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon and Max Fried.
The Yankees also explored interest in Bo Bichette and Kyle Tucker as potential alternatives. Bichette’s asking price reportedly approaches $300 million, while Tucker seeks a deal that could exceed $400 million. Those figures pushed New York to examine trade options that might offer better value.
Robert presents upside despite regression concerns
Robert’s career-high 9.3 percent walk rate in 2025 suggests some underlying improvements despite surface-level struggles. His 33 stolen bases ranked among the top active base-stealers in the American League, while his defensive metrics remain elite with above-average field range in center field.
The outfielder owns a .293 batting average and .505 slugging percentage against left-handed pitching throughout his career. His track record against southpaws could make him an ideal platoon partner with Jasson Dominguez, who posted a .768 OPS against right-handers last season.
Robert also brings elite defense and dynamic baserunning ability. His speed could slot him into left field primarily while serving as a backup option in center field if Trent Grisham suffers an injury. The Yankees currently project Grisham and Judge in two outfield spots with Dominguez and Spencer Jones battling for the third.
The main obstacles involve both financial and prospect costs. The Yankees would need to pay in prospects to convince Chicago to absorb some of Robert’s $20 million salary. White Sox general manager Chris Getz indicated willingness to eat money, perhaps as much as half the salary, to facilitate a trade.
Proposed trade package features pitching prospects
One potential framework would send Ben Hess, Chase Hampton, Brendan Jones and an additional piece to Chicago in exchange for Robert. Hess, a 22-year-old first-round pick from 2024, posted a 3.22 ERA with 139 strikeouts across 103.1 innings last season.
The six-foot-five right-hander combines size and durability with a fastball that sits between 92 and 96 mph. His improved secondary pitches position him as a potential middle-of-the-rotation starter, the type of controlled asset the rebuilding White Sox covet.
Hampton, 24, represents intriguing upside despite recent injury complications. The sixth-round pick from 2022 missed significant time in 2025 due to Tommy John surgery. When healthy, he operates with a live fastball and multiple breaking balls that scouts have graded favorably.
Jones became the first Yankees minor leaguer to steal 50 bases in a single season since Anthony Volpe in 2022. The left-handed outfielder posted a .471 on-base percentage with 18 stolen bases in just 24 games at higher levels, displaying the aggressive approach that enhances team speed.
White Sox seeking peak value for struggling outfielder
Chicago has reportedly set a high asking price in negotiations, which has turned off other interested teams. The Reds have held multiple discussions with the White Sox about Robert but have been unable to reach an agreement on prospect packages.
The White Sox finished 2025 with the worst record in baseball and are in full rebuilding mode. They seek controllable young talent that can contribute during their next competitive window, likely several years away. Getz exercised Robert’s $20 million option for 2026 to maintain flexibility.
Robert’s injury history adds another layer of complexity. He played just 81 games in 2024 due to lingering calf and finger issues. A Grade 2 hamstring strain in August ended his 2025 season prematurely. Teams must weigh his explosive potential against durability concerns when constructing trade offers.
The outfielder does carry a team option for 2027 at $20 million, which provides some financial flexibility. If he rebounds, the Yankees could extend his tenure at a reasonable price. If he continues to struggle, they can move on after two seasons rather than committing to a long-term free agent deal.
Roster implications extend beyond outfield configuration
Acquiring Robert would reshape New York’s roster construction beyond the outfield. The move could limit playing time for Dominguez, who many in the organization view as a future cornerstone player. However, a platoon arrangement might allow both players to develop while maximizing matchup advantages.
Dominguez struggled in 2025 with poor defensive metrics and an average bat. Jones hit 35 home runs in the minors last year but struck out 35.4 percent of the time, creating doubt about his major league viability. Robert represents an immediate upgrade over both internal options if he returns to form.
The Yankees also continue to field inquiries about other roster pieces. They checked in on Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner, though Chicago’s intentions remain unclear after signing Alex Bregman. Any significant trade would likely create additional roster flexibility for other moves.
New York’s infield situation remains relatively settled with Volpe recovering from shoulder surgery. The shortstop should return early in the season, though his exact timeline depends on his rehabilitation progress. Volpe struggled before the injury, posting a disappointing 2025 campaign.
The Yankees have added few impact players this offseason despite their stated goal of competing for a championship. Their quiet winter stands in contrast to crosstown rival Mets, who have aggressively pursued top free agents including Juan Soto, Kyle Tucker and pitching upgrades.
Whether Robert represents a genuine fallback option or simply due diligence remains unclear. The Yankees must soon decide between meeting Bellinger’s demands, pivoting to a trade, or relying on internal options like Dominguez and Jones to fill their outfield vacancy. Time continues to work against New York as spring training approaches.
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