The White Sox signed prized left field prospect Eloy Jimenez to a multiyear extension before he played a major league game, and now they are doing the same for equally treasured center field prospect Luis Robert.
The Minor League Player of the Year per Baseball America who ran roughshod over minor league pitching at three levels in 2019, Robert’s agreement — worth a guaranteed $50 million over six years and potentially $90 million over eight — paves the way for Robert to start in center field on Opening Day against the Royals March 26 at Guaranteed Rate Field.
By signing Jimenez to a six-year, $43 million deal during spring training last March, the probability of holding him back a few weeks for service time issues was eliminated. The same goes for Robert, whose deal calls for $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 either season.
“I am extremely happy with this deal because it is God’s will,” Robert said in a statement in the Sox’ press release announcing the deal. “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 now with more dedication and desire to help my team achieve our ultimate goal of winning championships.”
The news is the latest in what already had been a productive offseason for the Sox, who signed free agent catcher Yasmani Grandal, left-hander Dallas Keuchel and Gio Gonzalez and designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion and traded for right fielder Nomar Mazara before the New Year. With a young core in place including Robert, Jimenez, Yoan Moncada, Tim Anderson and Lucas Giolito, the addition of veteran talent signals the end of their rebuild and move to status of contenders in the AL Central.
The signing of Robert, who will wear uniform No. 88, is something of a cherry on top which bodes well for the club well beyond this season.
The Sox, who have been adept at signing young players to long term deals well before they are eligible for free agency — Chris Sale, Jose Quintana, Adam Eaton and Anderson are examples of club-friendly deals that worked in the club’s favor while paying the player to multimillion dollar contracts — are the only team to give extensions to two players with no major league service time. Robert was thought to be a tougher sell because he had already banked a $26 million signing bonus when the Sox won the Cuban’s services in the international market in 2017. The Sox also paid $26 in luxury taxes to sign Robert.
Robert’s deal is the largest for a player with no major league experience, surpassing Jimenez’ contract, which could reach $75 million if both option years are picked up.
“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,” general manager Rick Hahn said. “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.”
Robert, 22, batted .328/.376/.624 with 32 home runs and 36 steals in the minor leagues in 2019, including 16 homers in 47 games at Class AAA Charlotte. He posted an overall OPS of 1.001. He was the first minor-leaguer since at least 1988 to hit .325 with 30 doubles, 10 triples, 30 homers, 90 RBI, 100 runs scored, 300 total bases and 35 steals in a single season. Robert also became the first minor-leaguer since Joc Pederson in 2014 to collect 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a season.
To make room on the 40-man roster, right-hander Tayron Guerrero was designated for assignment.
