Robertson and Tommy Kahnle for Robles? Done deal from the White Sox perspective without hesitation. Total overpay by Washington.
From MB on Robles
Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 50 | Run: 70 | Arm: 65 | Field: 60 | Overall: 60
Signed for $225,000 out of the Dominican Republic in 2013, Robles' eye-opening U.S. debut the following year saw him finish the season as the youngest everyday player in the Class A Short Season New York-Penn League. He built on that success last year with an equally impressive full-season debut, earning midseason All-Star honors in the South Atlantic League before moving up to the Carolina League.
Robles showcases all five tools along with elite athleticism on a daily basis. He has ingredients to become a plus hitter from the right side of the plate, with a compact but explosive swing and a present feel for using the whole field. He has juice in his bat but currently lacks in-game power, although that should improve as he matures physically and learns to leverage his swing. Robles' approach and strike-zone judgment both bely his age, and his tendency to hold his ground in the batter's box resulted in 34 hit-by-pitches last season, second most in the Minors. A plus-plus runner, Robles impacts games with his wheels on the bases as well as in center field, where he has exceptional range and instincts as well as arm strength that's among the best in the Minors at the position.
The Nationals love Robles' makeup and work ethic, and it's already made him a clubhouse leader early in his career. He has the athleticism, physical tools and baseball savvy to continue to pass every challenge the organization throws his way. He's a few years away from the Majors, but Robles is well on his way towards becoming a franchise player.