The White Sox made a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays last night, acquiring outfielder Will Robertson for cash considerations. He was subsequently optioned to Triple-A Charlotte. In a move that might seem minor on the surface but carries bigger implications, the trade is interesting both in terms of Robertson’s talent and foreshadowing what moves the team might make next.
Robertson’s Player Profile
Robertson, 27, is an intriguing low-risk acquisition. The 6’1, 215-pound left-handed hitting outfielder was drafted by the Blue Jays in the fourth round in the 2019 draft and had been in their organization his entire professional career until now. He got only ten at-bats with the big league club earlier this season before being designated for assignment several days ago. With the Blue Jays in a playoff push, Robertson was a casualty as part of their roster crunch.
Despite getting DFAed, Robertson had a great season with Toronto’s Triple-A affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons. He hit .292 with a .403 on-base percentage, .578 slugging percentage, .981 OPS, and 156 wRC+ in 62 games. He also hit 14 home runs while playing all three outfield positions. For now, he represents an interesting outfield depth option for the South Siders.
White Sox Unstable Outfield Situation
With three weeks until the trade deadline, the White Sox will be one of the most prominent sellers this year. The outfield group in particular could change significantly over the next few weeks. Luis Robert Jr., Mike Tauchman, Austin Slater, Michael A. Taylor, and even Andrew Benintendi have all been rumored trade candidates and could head elsewhere by the end of the month. The timing of this trade is not a coincidence. The White Sox will need outfield reinforcements soon. Robertson provides just that.
Lackluster Triple-A Depth
The White Sox current Triple-A outfield depth is another factor in this situation. The Knights’ current outfield is uninspiring, to say the least. Corey Julks, Dominic Fletcher, and Zach DeLoach all received opportunities with the big league club last season but failed to capitalize. Joshua Palacios also was unable to stick earlier this season, while Dru Baker has struggled ever since being acquired in a trade with the Rays earlier this season. While Robertson was part of a numbers game in Toronto, that is not the case in Chicago. He immediately becomes the most interesting MLB-ready outfield option at the Triple-A level for the White Sox.
Final Word
Chris Getz and the rest of the front office will be very busy over the next few weeks. Between the draft this weekend and the trade deadline at the end of the month, the organization could look very different in just a few weeks. Acquiring Will Robertson is one of the first dominoes to fall in this year’s trade carousel. He figures to get an audition with the big league club down the stretch as the White Sox continue looking for building blocks during their rebuild.
