Luis Robert is NOT the answer for the Padres
Credit: AP Photo
Luis Robert is not the answer for the San Diego Padres’ offensive issues in 2025.
The San Diego Padres need offensive help. And they need it now.
There is no doubt about that fact.
In some people’s eyes, Luis Robert Jr. is the answer. At 27, Robert is arguably at the pinnacle of his supposed major league production. He is young and capable of being a star in the league. We have seen it in flashes. But we also see the red flags. Warning signs that should not and cannot be ignored. Not by a knowledgeable franchise.
It is mid-June, and Robert is hitting .194 with a .590 OPS. He has battled through nagging injuries and is currently nursing a sore right thumb, which is keeping him out of the White Sox lineup.
Some see these numbers and point to the fact that he plays for the White Sox and is just going through the motions. He’s not challenged, they say. Well, if that were true, is that the type of personality you want on the Padres? Someone who cannot motivate themself internally. Robert also has a reputation for not hustling and has even been pulled from games for not running out ground balls. Character issues should not be ignored; however, there are even more glaring and troubling signs.
In 2023, Luis Robert enjoyed a breakout season. The positives of that season were 20 stolen bases and 38 home runs. He also produced a 5.3 WAR (1.2 via D-WAR) and a 130 OPS+ in 145 games. The negatives were 172 strikeouts against 30 walks, resulting in a .315 on-base percentage (OBP). A .264 batting average and a .857 OPS, which is above average, but certainly not in the upper echelon of the league. In a ‘breakout” season, his numbers are good, but not great. That is the simple truth.
That 2023 season is one of six seasons, including this 2025 season, that he has been on the White Sox roster. In the other five seasons, Robert owns a .716 OPS, 56 homers, and a .312 OBP in just under 1,500 at-bats. During that time, he has not played consistently, missing time with a myriad of injuries. His 145 games played in 2023 were easily the most games played by Robert. He totaled 100 games last year for Chicago.
An often-injured outfielder, who is not producing presently and comes with a spotty history of producing, doesn’t exactly sound like the best plan for the Padres.
But he is inexpensive, right?
The cost of Robert is reportedly through the roof in terms of what the Sox are asking. He is owed $15 million this season and then owns two $20 million team options for 2026 and 2027. That is ridiculously expensive for a player of his ilk.
So, the answer is no. He is not an inexpensive alternative for San Diego.
Preller and the Padres cannot afford to throw money away at this point. The days of frivolous spending are over. Paying Robert $20 million a season for the next two seasons would be a massive gamble for the San Diego Padres. One, they certainly cannot afford to take.
There is no doubt that Robert can be a special player, but listen to and watch this.
This video is troubling if you think he will be productive moving forward. Sulking and talking to the media in that way is troubling. Sure, he probably should have been dealt. But perhaps his attitude and play on the field are the real reason the Chicago White Sox cannot deal him. Well, at least for their current asking price.
It is certainly not out of the realm of imagination for Robert to turn it on, play consistently, and be a superstar. He has that type of ability. But the track record isn’t favorable for that to happen.
The San Diego Padres do not need to take risks. They need production, and they need it at a bargain rate. The San Francisco Giants just acquired Rafael Devers from the Red Sox. Most assume the Padres must strike now to maintain momentum in the West. That may be true, but the team cannot make moves that are detrimental to the overall growth of the San Diego Padres.
Preller and his staff are savvy; when push comes to shove, they will likely steer clear of Luis Robert and look elsewhere for offensive help.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.