Robert has MVP talent, but staying healthy remains key in '22 

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Preseason outlooks and picks have yet to be released for the 2022 Major League Baseball season with the lockout recently ending on Thursday and so many key players still available via free agency or trade.

But when pundits put forth these predictions and prognostications, White Sox center fielder Luis Robert will see his name mentioned more than a few times where American League Most Valuable Player is concerned. Robert is the definition of a five-tool player, being able to run down line drives in the gap with relative ease and then blast a 400-foot home run in his next at-bat.

Health seemingly is the primary stumbling block for the 24-year-old’s path to stardom. Robert suffered a right hip flexor tear while legging out an infield single in the first inning of a 5-0 home loss to Cleveland on May 2 of last season, being sidelined until Aug. 9. He returned with two hits against the Twins at Target Field and slashed .350/.389/.622 with 12 home runs, 35 RBIs and 31 runs scored over his final 43 games.

Robert added a 7-for-15 showing during a four-game loss to the Astros in the AL Division Series.

“Keep him healthy and it will all work. Look what he did missing all that time last year,” said manager Tony La Russa, when asked about Robert following Sunday’s workout. “He came in and was a very important part of our second half.”

“You try to keep on top of your health and your body, but things happen,” Robert said through interpreter Billy Russo. “For this year, I just want to try to stay healthy and have as good of a season as I had at the end of last year.”

Severe injury issues zapped the White Sox on more than one occasion in 2021. Left fielder Eloy Jiménez had surgery to repair a ruptured left pectoral tendon, sustained the last week of Spring Training on an ill-advised attempt to steal a homer at Camelback Ranch, and was out until July 26.

After hitting seven homers and driving in 27 during August, Jiménez had two homers, seven RBIs and a .608 OPS over his final 25 regular season games. Catcher Yasmani Grandal hurt his right knee early in Spring Training, hampering his start to the season, and then tore a tendon in his left knee on July 5 at Target Field that kept him out until Aug. 27.

Right-hander Michael Kopech was sidelined from May 27 to the start of July with a hamstring problem, second baseman Nick Madrigal was lost for the season with surgery for a right hamstring tear before being traded to the Cubs and first baseman José Abreu was beat up all year. Yet, the White Sox won 93 and cruised to an AL Central title.

Having two young cornerstones such as Robert and Jiménez healthy all season should be basic enough to take this team to another level without any further additions.

“It won’t be just for this year,” Robert said. “If we are healthy, we are going to be able to help the team and that’s what you want. Then, I think that’s the goal for this year. Stay healthy and good things can happen.”

Robert felt healthy after coming back from his hip flexor tear, although he admitted to not pushing as much as he could during the regular season to “save something for the postseason.” He left Game 4 of the ALDS loss to Houston with right leg tightness, but he once again feels good as White Sox camp begins.

MVP talk brought a slight smile to Robert’s face on Sunday, as he feels good just knowing people have such a high opinion of him. Extreme praise, though, won’t change Robert’s daily focus or work ethic.

“I always try to do my best when I’m on the field. That’s never going to change,” Robert said. “Yes, every baseball player has that goal in mind every year.

“Win a MVP, Gold Glove and get as many awards and accolades as possible. At the end, what matters the most or the biggest goal is to win it all, win a World Series. That’s the goal not just for me, but for every baseball player.”