White Sox CF Luis Robert Jr. not seeking trade, to play 'smarter' - ESPN

GLENDALE, Ariz. — While brushing off winter trade rumors and vowing to play «smarter» early in the season, Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. reported to spring training Monday as one of the few veterans left on a team that lost 121 games a season ago.

Robert, 27, understands his time with the White Sox could be short-lived but isn't pushing for a trade from the only organization he has known in his professional career.

«My agent was explaining to me how it works and where we were at in every situation [this offseason], and I think we did a good job with that,» Robert said through the team interpreter. «I try not to pay attention to that. I know what my job is. My job is to come here and do my best every day, and [a trade is] something I can't control.»

Considering his talent, Robert is on a team-friendly deal as he enters the last year of a six-year, $50 million contract, though the White Sox have an option on his deal for 2026 and for 2027. When healthy, he's a five-tool player who's just one season removed from hitting 38 home runs while stealing 20 bases. But the injury bug hit him yet again in 2024, when he missed three months to a hip flexor injury, the second of his career. Because of that, and several other ailments, Robert has played in over 100 games just once over his five-year career.

«That is difficult to deal with, especially when have the same injury twice,» he said. «You try not to think about it, but of course it's in your mind. I think the best way that you can deal with it is just getting ready, put yourself in the best position physically and mentally and to overcome any challenges that might happen.»

Robert revealed he might tweak his game early in the season especially during the