Luis Robert Jr. #88 of the Chicago White Sox
Reds Miss Out on Luis Robert Jr. But Make Strategic Moves to Bolster Roster
The Cincinnati Reds have been active in the trade and free-agent markets over the past few days, but their efforts to land a major trade target ultimately fell short. According to reports from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon, the Reds were in serious discussions with the Chicago White Sox regarding a potential trade for outfielder Luis Robert Jr., but the two teams were unable to reach an agreement.
The Robert Trade Talks: Close, But No Deal
The Reds reportedly worked on a trade for Robert up until Sunday, but the deal collapsed due to a lack of agreement on both the players involved and the financial aspects. Robert, 27, is set to earn $15 million for the 2025 season and has $20 million club options for 2026 and 2027, with $2 million buyouts in each year. Acquiring him would have required a commitment of at least $17 million, and the Reds struggled to make the numbers work.
Despite Robert’s strong potential, especially in terms of power (14 home runs in 2024), his injury-plagued 2024 season raised concerns. He played just 100 games and posted a career-low .224 batting average, which added an element of risk to any potential trade. According to sources, Cincinnati offered infield prospect Edwin Arroyo in the negotiations, but ultimately, the two teams couldn’t find common ground on how much of Robert’s salary the White Sox would be willing to pay, leaving the Reds to pivot in a different direction.
Reds Move Quickly to Strengthen Roster
After the failed Robert trade talks, the Reds quickly shifted gears and found ways to improve their roster for the 2025 season. The team agreed to terms with free-agent outfielder Austin Hays on a one-year, $5 million deal, pending a physical. Hays, 28, is coming off a solid 2024 season with the Baltimore Orioles, where he posted a .250 batting average and hit 16 home runs with 66 RBI, bringing much-needed outfield depth to Cincinnati.
In addition to Hays, the Reds also added veteran left-hander Wade Miley on a minor-league deal, providing experience and stability to the pitching staff. Furthermore, Cincinnati acquired lefty reliever Taylor Rogers in a trade with the San Francisco Giants, reinforcing their bullpen for the upcoming season. These moves signal that the Reds are committed to making meaningful changes to their roster as they look to bounce back from a 77-85 record in 2024 and make a run at the playoffs in 2025.
The Road Ahead for the Reds
While the missed trade for Robert is certainly a setback, the Reds’ recent additions show that the front office is actively working to improve the team’s chances next season. Austin Hays and Taylor Rogers bring immediate impact, while Miley adds valuable depth to the pitching staff. The Reds’ search for roster upgrades is likely to continue throughout the winter, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they pursue additional moves to solidify their chances of competing in a highly competitive National League Central division.
As the Reds look to move on from another playoff-less season, their front office will need to continue evaluating opportunities to strengthen the team. While the Luis Robert trade fell through, Cincinnati’s recent activity indicates that they are far from done in reshaping their roster for the future. The coming months will be critical for the Reds as they continue to build around their young core and aim to make a return to the postseason.
