Fansided

White Sox agree to deal with OF Luis Robert

By Sean Bock

POMONA, NY - JUNE 24: Luis Robert Moiran of the Cuban National Team takes a turn at bat against the Rockland Boulders at Palisades Credit Union Park on June 24, 2016 in Pomona, New York. The Cubans won, 6-1. (Photo by Charles Norfleet/Getty Images)
POMONA, NY - JUNE 24: Luis Robert Moiran of the Cuban National Team takes a turn at bat against the Rockland Boulders at Palisades Credit Union Park on June 24, 2016 in Pomona, New York. The Cubans won, 6-1. (Photo by Charles Norfleet/Getty Images) /
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On Saturday, the Chicago White Sox agreed to terms with 19-year old Cuban prodigy, Luis Robert.

The Chicago White Sox have agreed to sign a deal with 19-year old Cuban Outfielder, Luis Robert. According to MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez,  the signing bonus is worth over $25 million.  FanRag’s Jon Heyman then announced the deal max set at least $30 million. The club has yet to confirm the agreement.

In the 2016 season, Robert hit .401 with 12 homers in 53 games in the Cuba’s Serie Nacional for Ciego de Avila.

Next: MLB Power Rankings: 30 Best OF of All-Time

Considered as the number two overall international prospect behind Japanese phenom Shohei Otani, Robert is a five-tool prospect who possess all the skills necessary to make a quick jump to the Major Leagues.

Not only are the Sox getting a stud in Robert, but also a regular center fielder which the franchise has lacked in recent years.

The last center fielder to hit at least .300 for the Sox was Adam Eaton in 2013 who averaged .300 on the nose.  The Sox aren’t expected to make a lot of noise until 2019 or so, but the joining of Robert fills the void the franchise needed out in center field.

With the addition of Robert, the White Sox now have three Cuban stars in the organization.  Robert joins the likes of first basemen Jose Abreu and shortstop Yoan Moncada, who is dominating for the Sox’ Triple-AAA affiliate, the Charlotte Knights.

The signing of Robert is huge for the Sox.  Even so, the front office made him such a priority that now they are unable to sign international players worth more than $300,000 over the next two signing periods.  

Before this season, the White Sox boasted number three overall farm system according to MLBPipeline.com, including six prospects in the top 100.  Add in Robert and that ranking will likely move up to either one or two.

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