White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. is no stranger to trade rumors. For the better part of the last month, he has heard his name discussed in speculation about where he’ll play after the trade deadline July 30.
Robert has said he wants to remain with the Sox because they gave him his first opportunity. He was part of the organization when it made consecutive playoff appearances in 2020-21 and wants to be part of the team that restores the Sox to those heights.
‘‘I know there is a chance,’’ Robert said through an interpreter. ‘‘Not just me, but the players. We know there is always a chance to be traded. That’s something that we can’t control.’’
Robert had a hit, an RBI and two stolen bases in the Sox’ 6-2 loss Saturday to the Pirates. He has shown glimpses of the player who made the All-Star team last season, but injuries have derailed him.
Given the state of the Sox, Robert said he doesn’t know whether the team has the building blocks in place to be competitive soon. He also hasn’t talked with general manager Chris Getz about his future, but he’s trying to stay in the present as uncertainty surrounds him.
‘‘I’m here,’’ Robert said. ‘‘My mind is here. And until something changes, I’m here.’’
‘Finish strong’
With one game left before the All-Star break, players and coaches are looking forward to the brief reprieve. It has been a trying season for the Sox (27-70), who have dealt with injuries, miscues and by far the most losses in the majors.
‘‘I think the break is good for everybody,’’ manager Pedro Grifol said. ‘‘The break is good for everybody to reset and come back. We’ve got to finish strong. We’ve got to find ways to finish this season in a manner that could set you up for next year.’’
The Sox have built up their farm system and might have multiple players on the precipice of the majors. Ideally, they will use the time after the break to give their prospects a taste of the big leagues. Development is the priority after the break; it’s just a matter of when they start promoting prospects.
Grifol said it’s possible the Sox could promote players before Sept. 1 — when rosters expand to 28 — to accumulate more data on them against formidable competition.
‘‘The best of the best are getting up here fast, and they’re learning here,’’ Grifol said. ‘‘There’s some guys that take a little longer, which is why you have the minor leagues. But there are a lot of young players in this league learning here at the major-league level. It’s making the gap between the major leagues and the minor leagues wider.’’
All-Star futures game
Left-hander Noah Schultz and shortstop Colson Montgomery played in the All-Star Futures Game in Arlington, Texas. Schultz allowed three runs and three hits with a walk and a strikeout in a third of an inning. Montgomery walked in his only plate appearance.
