MLB Trade Buzz: Luis Robert Jr. Drawing Interest, Blue Jays Could Be Key Players in Outfield Market
It’s MLB offseason time, and that means the rumor mill is heating up-especially on the South Side of Chicago. Once again, the White Sox are reportedly open to moving Luis Robert Jr., a player who continues to intrigue teams despite a rollercoaster of a 2025 season.
Let’s start with the facts: Robert is an undeniably talented center fielder with elite tools, but availability has been a recurring issue. Injuries have limited his impact, and this past season, he struggled at the plate, slashing .223/.297/.364 with an 84 wRC+. That’s a steep drop from his peak performance, and with a $20 million salary locked in for 2026 (plus a club option for 2027 at the same price), the risk is real.
Still, multiple teams have reportedly reached out to the White Sox to gauge his availability-including the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets. That kind of interest tells you all you need to know about how rare Robert’s upside remains.
When healthy, he’s a game-changer in center field with power, speed, and defensive chops. But the question is whether the production can match the paycheck going forward.
And here’s where things get interesting: the Toronto Blue Jays might be in a position to take advantage of a market hungry for outfield help.
Toronto’s Outfield Depth Could Fuel a Trade
The Blue Jays have quietly built up a surplus of outfielders-especially in the corners-and that depth could become a valuable asset in a market where teams are clearly willing to roll the dice on upside.
Nathan Lukes, for example, emerged as a postseason contributor and is currently penciled in as the favorite to start in left field. At 31, with a career 106 wRC+, he’s not exactly a long-term solution, but his versatility and left-handed bat could make him a sell-high candidate if the Jays feel his value won’t get any higher.
Then there’s Anthony Santander. Just a year removed from a 44-homer campaign with the Orioles, he had a tough 2025-hitting just .175/.271/.294 with six home runs over 221 plate appearances.
The power is still in there, but the production cratered. If the Jays are looking to free up payroll or reallocate resources, moving Santander could be on the table-especially if they believe they’re selling at the right time before he rebounds or further declines.
Addison Barger also deserves a mention. While primarily an infielder, he showed last season that he can handle right field duties.
Myles Straw, known for his glove and speed, adds more versatility as someone who can cover all three outfield spots. Davis Schneider and Joey Loperfido round out a crowded 40-man roster mix that gives the Jays plenty of options.
Kyle Tucker Could Be the Domino That Forces a Move
All of this becomes even more relevant if Toronto pulls the trigger on a big move-like signing Kyle Tucker. The star outfielder would immediately slot into right field, pushing Santander out of a starting role. With George Springer locked in as the designated hitter and Daulton Varsho holding down center field, Tucker’s arrival would create a serious logjam.
That would leave one outfield spot for a whole group of players-Lukes, Barger, Straw, Schneider, and Loperfido-all battling for reps. In that scenario, it’s not just about finding playing time.
It’s about maximizing value. And if the Jays can flip one or more of these players to address other areas of the roster, or clear payroll for another move, they’ll have every reason to explore those options.
Back to Robert: What’s the Market Saying?
The Mets have also reportedly turned their attention to Luis Robert Jr., alongside Oakland’s Mason Miller. It’s a sign that Robert’s name still carries weight, even after a down year.
His ceiling remains tantalizing. He’s a former All-Star with 30-homer potential and Gold Glove-caliber defense in center field.
If a team believes they can keep him healthy-or simply needs a spark-he becomes a high-risk, high-reward target.
And that’s the point. If Robert, with his injury history and recent struggles, can still draw legitimate trade interest, then Toronto’s collection of healthy, versatile outfielders absolutely holds value in this market. Whether it’s a contender looking for depth or a rebuilding team in need of controllable talent, the Blue Jays are positioned to be sellers-or strategic movers-if the right deal comes along.
The offseason is just getting started, but don’t be surprised if Toronto becomes a central figure in the outfield shuffle. With the market clearly active and teams like the Phillies and Mets already making calls, the Blue Jays could be sitting on a trade chip-or several-that helps reshape their 2026 roster.