GLENDALE, Ariz. (670 The Score) -- With the spotlight landing on 22-year-old White Sox outfielder Luis Robert and one of his own teammates comparing him to Angels star Mike Trout, you might think Robert is feeling some pressure or becoming anxious.
That just isn't quite the case.
"My confidence level is the same -- it is always high," Robert said. "I have been here (in the states) for two years now and going into my third year, I feel really great and comfortable. I know everyone is looking at me. They have always done that even before I signed this last contract. For me, it's nothing different -- just keep my focus and play the game."
The contract that Robert referenced was the six-year, $50-million deal that he signed in January. That contract includes a pair of $20-million team options for 2026 and 2027 as well, making it worth up to $90 million. With service time considerations now a moot point, Robert is on track to be the White Sox's starting center fielder on Opening Day.
Robert is lauded as a five-tool player. He hit .328 with 32 homers, 92 RBIs, 36 stolen bases and a 1.001 OPS in 122 games across three levels in the minor leagues in 2019. He ended the season at Triple-A Charlotte, where he hit .297 with a .974 OPS.
So how does he plan to assimilate to the MLB game and make sure he still produces at a high level?
"I need to continue to improve making contact," Robert said. "I know what I need to do with my bat, with mechanics and making good contact."
Robert knows laying off breaking balls will be important for him as a rookie.
"We will see how I make adjustments," Robert said. "Right now, the pitchers are attacking me with a lot of fastballs and some breaking balls as you would expect. I know that once the season starts, things will be different. I will have to go through the experience."
His work also includes a defensive focus.
"I am working to try and improve my defense," Robert said. "We are working on me making the right throws in the right situations. That means hitting the cutoff man and throwing to the right base. Those little things are very important. The coaches are pushing me to go after all the balls in the gaps."
Many believe Robert will be a leading Rookie of the Year candidate, but he's not focused on individual awards at this time.
"I have no goals or limits of what I want to do," Robert said. "If I do the best I can, the numbers will there at the end of the season. Those awards are the dream of every baseball player at this level. For me, I will not go out and play with that in my mind. I do not want to put that extra pressure on myself."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
