Amid a wave of Cincinnati Reds news last week, one particular development may have frustrated fans with high hopes for the offseason. Reds supporters have taken to social media in recent months, urging the team to make key roster additions.
Whether through free agency or trades, the loudest calls have been for an impact outfield bat. With that in mind, an interview on Thursday with CBS Sports analyst and MLB Insider Jim Bowden may have stirred up some passionate reactions.
Did the Reds miss out by passing on a trade for White Sox star Luis Robert Jr.?
The White Sox endured a disastrous 2024 season, prompting widespread speculation that Robert would be the next star moved as Chicago overhauls its roster.
Following the Reds’ signing of outfielder Austin Hays, reports surfaced that Cincinnati had previously pursued Robert but balked at the asking price. Just how steep was it? According to Bowden, the White Sox demanded two of the Reds’ top five prospects, with shortstop Edwin Arroyo among the names mentioned.
Is Robert worth that price? While undeniably talented, his five-year MLB career has been plagued by inconsistency and injuries. In 2021, he hit .338/.378/.567 in just 68 games due to two IL stints. The following year, he appeared in 98 games but landed on the IL three times. Robert finally had a breakout season in 2023, belting 38 home runs and stealing 20 bases over 145 games. However, in 2024, injuries struck again, sidelining him for roughly two months.
Injuries were a major issue for last year’s Reds squad, and given Robert’s contract and durability concerns, surrendering two top prospects may have been too great a risk. By the end of the 2025 season, Reds fans might be relieved that the team opted for Austin Hays instead of dealing away valuable young talent for Robert.
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