“I get excited every day knowing that he’s in the lineup. When he’s not, I don’t feel as good.” That powerful sentiment comes directly from Chicago White Sox General Manager Chris Getz for Luis Robert Jr. Now, as the MLB trade deadline nears, this feeling is shared by front offices across the league. Contenders are dreaming of Robert’s potential, but the GM just sent another clear message. That’s probably bad news for hopeful suitors like the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers.

In a recent radio appearance, Getz set the record straight on the trade rumors. “Are other teams interested in Louie? Of course,” he admitted. But then came the gut punch for buyers. “We’re not… actively shopping a Louie Robert because, you know, we like him with the Chicago White Sox.”

Getz reminded everyone that Robert could be in Chicago for two more years, signaling that the asking price will be incredibly high.

Now, for any team to cater to that high price, they must weigh the immense risk that comes with Robert. MLB insider Jon Heyman believes the trade market is currently cool. “He’s got to get hotter before anything heats up on the trade front.”

Robert’s persistent health issues and inconsistent performance are major red flags. He is struggling with a .176 batting average and an OPS barely over .570 this season. So, trading top prospects for him would be a huge gamble for any team, including the once-interested Dodgers.

Despite these red flags, Robert’s unique talent keeps contenders circling. MLB insider Francys Romero reported that “Teams like the Yankees, Mariners, and Phillies are expected to be in the conversation.” Why? Because they remember his 2023 All-Star season, when he had 38 homers and 20 steals. Even in his current slump, his elite defense and 21 stolen bases show he can affect a game without his bat. It’s this tantalizing potential that is going to make him the highest-risk, highest-reward option on the trade market.

This high-stakes gamble on Robert Jr. forces interested teams to consider their alternatives. If the price for Robert is too high or the risk too great, who becomes Plan B on the outfielder market?

The White Sox star’s alternative: The trade market dynamics

One name that mirrors Robert’s profile is center fielder Byron Buxton, who plays for the Minnesota Twins. He is also a dynamic, five-tool guy who has suffered injuries throughout his career. But when he’s healthy, Buxton is a beast, posting an impressive .890 OPS with 15 homers in 2025. However, he has a huge, long-term contract, $15 million a year through 2028. He is the same high-risk, high-reward gamble, but with a significantly more substantial cost.

A much safer and affordable option would be Taylor Ward of the Los Angeles Angels. Ward brings a steady right-handed power supply with 19 home runs already this season. He is also under team control for another season beyond 2025 at a reasonable arbitration salary. With a much cleaner bill of health, Ward offers production without the constant injury fears that surround players like Robert and Buxton. He is a high-floor player who could solidify a contender’s lineup.

Miami Marlins’ Jesús Sánchez is another cost-effective alternative. The left-handed slugger offers solid power and is the most controllable asset of the group. He is not a free agent until 2028, giving an acquiring team years of control at a low salary. He’s making just $4.5 million a year through 2025 while providing steady production. For teams in need of an outfielder who isn’t going to gut the farm and won’t break the bank, Sánchez makes for a very appealing, low-risk option.

While these contenders weigh their options, the White Sox’s reality remains bleak. The team is in a deep rebuild with a 23-52 record and very little hope at this point. Dealing with a star like Robert Jr. is a sensible route to acquiring the young talent needed for the future. Yet, their GM is holding firm, challenging rivals to pay a steep price for his most valuable asset.