Prospect Luis Robert’s power will come, White Sox say

MINNEAPOLIS — White Sox minor-league outfielder Luis Robert didn’t hit a home run this season, which, for a touted five-tool prospect from Cuba, might come as a surprise or a concern to some.

The Sox, who signed Robert last year for $26 million and paid an additional $26 million in tax penalties for the signing, say they’re not concerned. Their talent evaluators have seen him clear fences with ease in batting practice, see his strength, speed and body type and say not to worry.

Perhaps the 6-3, 205-pound Robert will go deep in the Arizona Fall League, which begins Oct. 9, and will make up for lost playing time caused by his injury-plagued season.

A sprained left thumb suffered in spring training caused Robert to miss the first 10 weeks of his season at low Class A Kannapolis, where he batted .289/.360/.400 in 50 plate appearances. After a promotion to high Class A Winston-Salem, he injured the same thumb, missed more than a month and finished with a .244/.317/.309 hitting line in 140 plate appearances.

‘‘We’re still very excited about his ability,’’ Sox director of player development Chris Getz said. ‘‘The thumb injury took some games and at-bats, which the Fall League will make up for. But this guy can do a little bit of everything on the field and impact a game in a lot of different ways, and that’s a rarity.

‘‘This year was great in terms of getting acclimated to the United States and the organization. He’s getting more comfortable, and we look forward to seeing what he is able to do this fall and into a healthy 2019.’’

Don’t suggest to Getz that Robert was a disappointment.

‘‘Not in the slightest,’’ he said. ‘‘Disappointment with the injury, but it certainly hasn’t changed our view of him at all.’’

RELATED

• White Sox fall to Indians in last home game; Abreu’s season over

• Worst of rebuild should be over, White Sox GM Hahn says

One view of Robert during batting practice alleviates any worry about his power potential. Scouts and prospect analysts aren’t worried, nor is Sox manager Rick Renteria, who became a fan of Robert’s multifaceted potential when he first saw him play last winter.

‘‘He has a lot of strength, a lot of pop,’’ Renteria said. ‘‘He has a lot of power. I’m not worried about that, and neither should anybody else.’’

Renteria also enjoyed the game-winning homer Robert launched after initially injuring the thumb on a slide in spring training. He said he envisions Robert’s power blossoming after he becomes a major-leaguer.

‘‘A lot of great players don’t hit homers in the minor leagues,’’ Renteria said. ‘‘But in the big leagues, they end up zoning in, getting a better idea about cheating in certain zones, sitting on certain pitches — things you’re more apt to do because you’re facing a lot of guys who are more consistent. And it gives you an opportunity to play that cat-and-mouse game.’’

The Sox have emphasized drafting and signing prospects who have bat-to-ball skills and can use the entire field.

‘‘I think you become hitters first, and everything else evolves from that,’’ Renteria said.

The Sox are hoping Robert is that kind of hitter — and one who can stay healthy next season. Knee and ankle injuries limited him to 28 games in the Dominican Summer League after the Sox signed him in 2017, so his development has been slowed by not being on the field.

When he’s on it, he catches everyone’s eye.

‘‘Even a quick glimpse, he’s one of those guys who will show you something very quickly,’’ Getz said. ‘‘There are players you need to watch over time to appreciate what they bring to the table. You can just watch him warm up, and you’re going to get excited.’’