Inbox: Robert's chances to be traded, prospect talk, more

This story was excerpted from Scott Merkin’s White Sox Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

CHICAGO -- Welcome to the return of the White Sox Inbox, brought to you by my Newsletter.

Let’s take a look at a few of your questions.

Will Luis Robert Jr. be traded? @JamesTytus

When MLB.com beat reporters were asked to make a bold 2025 prediction in our respective season previews, my original choice was, “Luis Robert Jr. hits three or four home runs in the playoffs.” I was fairly certain he was going to be traded at that point, and I still believe a deal will happen.

When will that trade happen? I don’t know, and Robert probably doesn’t have a great idea either.

He understands the White Sox probably won’t be a championship-caliber team during his remaining time in Chicago -- one year at $15 million this season, with $20 million club options for 2026 and ‘27 and a $2 million buyout. He also understands the business of baseball. Robert made those points clear during a couple of interviews we did during Spring Training.

Results-wise, Robert is off to a less-than-ideal start over the first nine games. But he also opened slow in 2023 before putting together one of the top all-around seasons in franchise history. Teams want to see his health as much as results, and while it doesn’t sound like there's a great deal of outside interest now, it’s very early, and that interest can change quickly. The White Sox will hold out for a high demand in return.

Have you ever been more scared than you were going down to Reggie's green room for that live show with @fromthe108? @MrDelicious13

First off, I had a great time speaking at this event within the outstanding venue that is Reggie’s, as the Section 108 crew really has developed a cool White Sox family. In going to the green room, I felt like an old school rock and roller, getting ready to perform. It did seem like a scene out of Goodfellas or Casino, so I was a bit worried.

I've noticed your friendly banter with former Sox players on social media like @ajpierzynski12. Do you maintain relationships or friendships with any former players after they retire or leave the Sox? @ChiSox_34

Many of these guys I’ve known for at least 20 years, so I talk to them after they leave the White Sox and certainly after they retire. That’s probably the case for a number of reporters. I had lunch with Aaron Rowand when I was last in Las Vegas and gave A.J. a ride to his hotel after we both attended the Pitch and Hit Club banquet on a freezing Sunday night in Tinley Park in January. He’s primarily a Florida guy now, so we can’t have him standing in the 1-degree temperature waiting for an Uber.

Let me clear up two points from A.J.’s ensuing humorous but inaccurate interview on a local radio station about the hotel transportation. I don’t own an ’84 LeBaron, although kudos to A.J. for being a Seinfeld fan. It’s a 2001 Sebring Convertible. And not only has my sainted mother never owned that car, but I don’t think she has ever been a passenger in it. Never let the facts get in the way of an otherwise entertaining story.

When do you think we see Noah [Schultz], Colson [Montgomery], and Hagen [Smith]? @IconicRunsThis

Montgomery has struggled at the outset for Triple-A Charlotte, but nobody seems to be worried within the White Sox. There’s a plan in place for each of these players, as assistant general manager Josh Barfield reinforced to me Saturday, and how they are following that plan and then progressing is as important as the results. I’m guessing Montgomery to the White Sox in June and Noah and Hagen later in the year, with right-hander Grant Taylor (No. 7 prospect), if those moves make sense.

How are you feeling about the prospects in the Minors this season? Between the Knights and the Barons, how many seasons before we're competing again?

This Chris Getz plan seemed to be around a five-year outlay when it began, so by midway through 2026 or by 2027, the team should be far more competitive. But it’s so difficult to predict.

What sort of moves will the White Sox make to supplement the rebuild? And they need to make moves. Who will develop faster than expected? Who will take longer? What sort of trades do they make along the way? The system has high-end talent but also has some depth, and I’m looking forward to taking an up-close look at two teams early on in May.