CHICAGO _ It was apparent top prospect Luis Robert would spend a bulk of the 2020 season with the White Sox.
The only question was whether he would join the team out of spring training or spend a short time back in the minors.
The Sox likely provided an answer Thursday, agreeing to terms with Robert on a 6-year, $50 million deal. The contract includes two club options that could extend the deal through the 2027 season.
The deal puts Robert in position to be the team's Opening-Day center fielder.
Robert, 22, will receive $1.5 million in 2020, $3.5 million in 2021, $6 million in 2022, $9.5 million in 2023, $12.5 million in 2024 and $15 million in 2025. The Sox hold $20 million options for 2026 and 2027, with $2 million buyouts for both seasons.
"I am extremely happy with this deal because it is God's will," Robert said in a statement. "Hopefully this year I will finally make my dream come true of playing in the big leagues.
"I risked everything when I left Cuba to pursue this dream, and now I know the whole process and all my sacrifices will be rewarded. My next step is to keep working as hard as ever but with more dedication and desire to help my team achieve our ultimate goal of winning championships."
USA Today's Bob Nightengale first reported the deal.
Robert showcased his power and speed with Class A Winston-Salem, Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte in 2019. In 122 games at the three levels, he hit .328 with 32 home runs and 92 RBIs. He also stole 36 bases, becoming the first Sox minor-leaguer since at least 1988 to join the 30-30 club.
He ranked among the minor league leaders in total bases (tied-second, 314), hits (fourth, 165), extra-base hits (fourth, 74), runs (fifth, 108) and triples (tied-sixth, 11).
He is the top-ranked prospect in the organization, according to MLB.com, and No. 3 overall.
"Luis is a hugely talented player who showed his unique set of impressive skills last season and who we believe will be making an impact at the major league level during the 2020 season," Sox general manager Rick Hahn said in a statement.
"As he showed at three levels in 2019, Luis has the ability to impact a game dramatically with his bat, his speed, his glove and his arm. We see him as a very important part of a talented core of position players who we anticipate will be competing together with the White Sox for many seasons to come."
A native of Ciego de Avila, Cuba, Robert has a career .312/.381/.551 slash line in three minor league seasons in the organization. He was signed as an international free agent on May 27, 2017. Robert will wear No. 88.
He will be part of an outfield that includes Eloy Jimenez, who hit 31 home runs as a rookie last season. Jimenez, 23, agreed to a long-term deal leading up to the 2019 season.
Jimenez received a $5 million signing bonus in addition to the six year, $43 million deal. The maximum value of Jimenez's deal, should the Sox exercise options in 2025 and 2026, is $75 million.
The Sox recently landed right fielder Nomar Mazara in a trade with the Rangers. Mazara, 24, had 19 home runs and 66 RBIs in 116 games in 2019.
Along with the Robert move, the Sox designated pitcher Tayron Guerrero for assignment.
The Robert news follows Monday's announcement of a three-year, $55.5 million deal with free-agent pitcher Dallas Keuchel.
The busy offseason includes signing pitcher Gio Gonzalez, catcher Yasmani Grandal and designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion and re-signing first baseman Jose Abreu.
With the steps, the Sox have positioned themselves to contend in the American League Central.
