Rumored Dodgers-White Sox Luis Robert Jr package centers on player we'd love to trade

Rumors about the Dodgers' interest in White Sox star slugger Luis Robert Jr. cropped up before the trade deadline last season, and haven't completely gone away since. Center field was a major question for the Dodgers relatively early into the 2024 season, when James Outman proved that he wasn't going to be able to repeat the offensive performance that got him Rookie of the Year votes in 2023 and was demoted (for the first time) by mid-May.

The Dodgers filled the gap largely with Andy Pages, but Pages' rookie status and lacking play in center led to some speculation that the Dodgers would make a big move for a veteran outfielder.

Just a few days ahead of the deadline, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that the Dodgers had been in touch with the White Sox about a massive trade involving Robert, ace Garrett Crochet, and reliever Michael Kopech. LA ended up getting Kopech and Tommy Edman in a three-way trade with the Cardinals (and Edman ended up solving their center field problem), but Crochet and Robert stayed put for the time being.

Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic speculated in the offeason that the Dodgers might look to Robert as a potential pivot option if they didn't re-sign Teoscar Hernández, but Nightengale provided a more concrete rumor on Sunday, writing, "The Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers have tabled trade discussions that would send center fielder Luis Robert Jr. to the Dodgers for Triple-A outfielder James Outman and a front-line prospect."

James Outman rumored to be on the trade block in reported discussions between Dodgers and White Sox about Luis Robert Jr.

Of course, we may never know why talks have been tabled, but it could have something to do with Edman's surprising jolt of power this season as the Dodgers' current full-time center fielder, or maybe it's about that "front-line prospect." Ken Rosenthal reported that the Dodgers were unwilling to include No. 1 prospect Dalton Rushing in conversations with the White Sox about Crochet last season, and that may still be a sticking point for both teams.

However, the Dodgers would be likely to happily take any opportunity to trade Outman. He's taken himself out of contention for a major league roster spot with a 2024 slump that made its way into 2025; he's batting .159 with a .603 OPS in 14 games in Triple-A. Pages isn't doing much better at the major league level, but the Dodgers also have Hyeseong Kim to consider, and he's been showing massive offensive improvements in Oklahoma City.

Outman wouldn't be the most attractive part of a trade package for Robert, rather that front-line prospect, but he's complicating his future with the club, and they could be better off if they make him another club's issue.