Why signing Luis Robert is so important for Chicago White Sox
As expected, general manager Rick Hahn declined to discuss the Luis Robert signing Monday night when talking to reporters before the Chicago White Sox played the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
Until Robert (pronounced Robber), a touted 19-year-old Cuban outfielder, passes a physical and officially signs, there's nothing substantial Hahn can say.
But the impending deal, which reportedly is costing the Sox a $25 million-plus signing bonus with a similar amount due in the international overage tax, says a lot about Robert's potential.
If all goes well on the signing front, the guess here is Robert begins his professional career at low Class A Kannapolis as soon as next week and ends the season with high A Winston-Salem.
If he is as good as all of the money indicates, Robert splits the 2018 season between Winston-Salem and AA Birmingham, splits the '19 season between Birmingham and AAA Charlotte and then makes the jump to the White Sox in 2020.
Hahn did briefly discuss Robert on the Sox's last homestand.
“He's an extremely talented young man who is going to have an impact on whatever organization he winds up joining,” the GM said.
Beating out the St. Louis Cardinals and a handful of other teams for Robert is a huge development for the White Sox, who already have acquired some promising young talent since last June's draft.
Yoan Moncada, who played against Robert in Cuba, came over in the Chris Sale trade and is the Sox's starting second baseman of the future.
Reynaldo Lopez came over in the Adam Eaton trade and is pitching like he's going to be in the White Sox's starting rotation sooner than later.
Ditto for Birmingham flamethrower Michael Kopech, acquired in the Sale trade, and don't forget about Lucas Giolito (Sale trade), who is gradually putting it all together at Charlotte.
Starting pitcher Carson Fulmer (No. 8 overall draft pick in 2015), catcher Zack Collins (No. 10 overall pick in 2016) and closer Zack Burdi (No. 26 overall in '16) also are key pieces for the future, but the Sox were decidedly short on outfielders.
Robert instantly solves that problem.
Before Robert signed, Luis Alexander Basabe was the White Sox's best outfield prospect. Acquired in the Sale trade, the 20-year-old outfielder is batting .199 at Winston-Salem.
Micker Adolfo is another 20-year-old outfielder prospect, and he's batting .306 at Kannapolis with 1 home run and 19 RBI in 34 games.
The White Sox did address the shortage in last year's draft, taking college outfielders Alex Call and Jameson Fisher on the third and fourth rounds, respectively.
Neither player is close to the majors, so the Sox still need to stockpile young outfielders.
On paper, getting a player with Robert's impact potential is a great start.