Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Luis Robert Jr.

How Luis Robert Jr. built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Luis Robert Jr. is a Cuban professional baseball center fielder currently playing for the Chicago White Sox in MLB. He defected from Cuba in 2016 and signed with the White Sox in 2017, making his major league debut in 2020. Robert quickly established himself, winning a Gold Glove Award in his debut season. His performance led to him being named an All-Star in 2023, solidifying his status as a key player for the White Sox.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2013: Start with Ciego de Ávila

In 2013, Luis Robert Jr. played in the Cuban National Series for Ciego de Ávila.

2015: Final Season with Ciego de Ávila

2015 was Luis Robert Jr.'s final season playing in the Cuban National Series for Ciego de Ávila.

2015: 18U Baseball World Cup

In 2015, Luis Robert Jr. represented the Cuban national team in the 18U Baseball World Cup, where he was named to the all-tournament team.

June 2016: Goodwill Tour

In June 2016, Luis Robert Jr. played for the Cuban national team as part of a goodwill tour of the Can-Am League of independent baseball.

November 2016: Defection from Cuba

In November 2016, Luis Robert Jr. defected from Cuba to pursue a Major League Baseball (MLB) career in the United States.

2016: Defection from Cuba

In 2016, Luis Robert Jr. defected from Cuba to pursue a career in Major League Baseball (MLB).

April 20, 2017: Declared a Free Agent

On April 20, 2017, Luis Robert Jr. was declared a free agent, making him eligible to sign with a Major League Baseball club.

May 27, 2017: Contract with Chicago White Sox

On May 27, 2017, Luis Robert Jr. signed a contract with the Chicago White Sox, which included a $26 million signing bonus. He then reported to the DSL White Sox.

2017: Signing with the White Sox

In 2017, Luis Robert Jr. signed with the Chicago White Sox of Major League Baseball (MLB).

2017: World Baseball Classic Exclusion

In 2017, Luis Robert Jr. was slated to represent Cuba in the World Baseball Classic, but was removed from consideration after his defection.

2018: Spring Training Start and Injury

In 2018, Luis Robert Jr. made his first start at outfield in a spring training game, where he hit a grand slam. However, he was later placed on the injured list for two months due to a sprained ligament in his left thumb.

2019: Minor League Achievements

In 2019, Luis Robert Jr. scored 108 runs, the second most in the minor leagues, and he led the minors with 165 hits.

2019: Minor League Success and 30/30 Club

In 2019, Luis Robert Jr. started with the Winston-Salem Dash, was promoted to the Birmingham Barons on April 30, was named to the All-Star Futures Game, debuted with the Class AAA Charlotte Knights on July 11, and joined the 30/30 club by hitting 30 home runs and stealing 36 bases.

January 2, 2020: Contract Extension with White Sox

On January 2, 2020, Luis Robert Jr. agreed to a six-year, $50 million contract with the Chicago White Sox.

August 2020: AL Rookie of the Month Award

In August 2020, Luis Robert Jr. had a strong performance, batting .298/.356/.660, and he won the American League (AL) Rookie of the Month Award.

2020: MLB Debut and Gold Glove Award

In 2020, Luis Robert Jr. made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut and won the Gold Glove Award.

July 14, 2022: First Career Grand Slam

On July 14, 2022, Luis Robert Jr. hit his first career grand slam off of Sonny Gray in a game against the Minnesota Twins.

2023: All-Star Selection

In 2023, Luis Robert Jr. was named an All-Star.

2023: World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Luis Robert Jr. was named to the Cuban national team for the World Baseball Classic, becoming one of the first active MLB players to play for Cuba after having defected.