With just six weeks left until the trade deadline, the buzz is getting louder. Teams are on the hunt for the right pieces, and players are finding themselves in the middle of trade talks. The Chicago White Sox, sitting at the bottom of the AL Central with a 23-50 record, have little to fight for this season, except a chance to build for the future and to secure prospect capital.

That means parting ways with some of their players, and at the top of their list is 27-year-old center fielder Luis Robert Jr, according to the MLB.com reporter Mark Feinsand.

As Chicago’s most valuable trade chip, Robert has drawn interest across the league, and for good reason. But this season isn’t unfolding the way he hoped it would. The Silver Slugger expressed little confidence in the possibility of a trade last month. “Right now, as my season is going, I don’t think anyone is going to take a chance on me,” he said.

After a rough start, Robert’s form with the bat has only gotten worse. But in his best form, he is a player who turns heads and a proven Gold Glove defender in center field. That makes him an attraction for teams like the Mets and the Padres. Both teams are rumored to be pursuing Robert.

Even though his batting average of .194 is not impressive, Robert has stolen 21 bases from 64 games this season. He is, in fact, tied fourth in MLB for stolen bases. His last season was not promising, but in 2023, he showed glimpse of an excellent offensive player with 38 homers. The 27-year-old has the potential of being a five-tool player and can solve any team’s center field problems.

Robert is currently earning $15 million with a club option in 2026 and 2027 worth $20 million, which is manageable. Many analysts have weighed in on his next destination, with the Padres and Mets leading the race.

Earlier, ESPN’s Bradford Doolittle said that the Mets’ center “seems like a great landing spot for Luis Robert Jr.” The Mets are far from having a perfect fit in center. Jose Siri, Tyrone Taylor, and even the top prospect from Triple-A, Drew Gilbert, may not be very promising in the long run. But, what about the Padres?

Well, Athletic’s Jim Bowden sees Robert’s future there. “I think Robert would flourish with a change of scenery and could thrive if he joined a clubhouse with players like Manny Machado, Tatis, and Jake Cronenworth,” he wrote.

Sure, Robert can overcome his current slump if there is a great lineup to back him up. Perhaps, he won’t find that at the White Sox, which makes the Padres a great fit for him among the different suitors.

Robert is now showing signs of heating up this far into the season. His concerns over a potential trade are disappearing. “He just looks free up there,” manager Will Venable said earlier. “I think there’s some confidence building with him. He’s seeing the ball a little bit better. It’s very encouraging and great to see.”

This sudden surge of Robert is definitely good news for the suitors. Not only the Mets and Padres, but many other teams have also shown interest in the center fielder.

Phillies and Yankees may also clash over Robert Jr.

The White Sox general manager Chris Getz has already revealed opposing teams’ interest in Robert Jr. “They’re expressing interest. They’re continually doing that,” he said recently. Among the teams rumored to go for the $50 million center fielder are the Yankees and the Phillies as well.

“Luis Robert Jr. continues to draw attention as a potential trade piece,” said MLB insider Francys Romero. “Teams like the Yankees, Mariners, and Phillies are expected to be in the conversation ahead of the trade deadline, according to industry sources,” he added.

Yankees can’t just sit back and watch. In Robert, they can have another center fielder who is great at defense. Alongside the offensive powerhouse Trent Grisham, he can prove to be a great asset for the team.

And as for the Phillies, Robert can contribute as a CF alongside Trea Turner. If he can up his game, the power duo of Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper could use a powerful righty, too. All these teams are looking for a defensive wall in the outfield, and Robert may be the missing piece in the puzzle.

The White Sox are on the edge of collapse yet again and all they will be thinking about right now is trading to minimize their loss. There is, however, time until July 31 to know what their plans are with Robert.