Chicago White Sox News: Luis Robert Jr joins Home Run Derby

Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr has been in the midst of a breakout season in what has otherwise been a disappointing year for the team and on Wednesday, Robert announced that he will be participating in the 2023 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby.

With the announcement of Robert being included in the 2023 Home Run Derby, the field is nearly set. New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder/shortstop Mookie Betts, Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez, and Baltimore Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman are the other named participants. One more participant is set to be revealed on Wednesday night.

With 18 home runs in 68 games this season, Jake Burger is a name that many White Sox fans are hoping to see as the final participant in the contest. Burger has previously expressed an interest in participating in the derby.

Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr is on the verge of entering the national spotlight.

Robert is in the middle of a breakout season for the White Sox as he appears to be on the final steps of approaching superstardom. Through 353 plate appearances this season, Robert is slashing .276/.336/.580 with 25 home runs and a 148 wRC+.

For Robert, his 25 home runs on the season are the second highest amount in the American League this season. Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani leads the American League with 31 home runs but is not expected to be participating in this season’s contest.

Robert is the White Sox’s lone representative for the 2023 All-Star Game and his inclusion in the derby will undoubtedly add to his rising profile in Major League Baseball.

As the White Sox enter a period of time where they certainly will be sellers ahead of the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline on August 1, Robert figures to be the player that the team will build their next core around.