Former Knights Slugger Earns Award in Rookie Season

On May 27, 2017, 19-year-old Cuban sensation Luis Robert signed a contract with the Chicago White Sox. Just three years later, Robert is taking home a Major League Baseball award after completing his rookie year.

Robert, 23, was named the American League Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner among center fielders on November 3, 2020. With the award, the 23-year-old became the first rookie in Chicago White Sox history to win the award since Tommie Agee (1966). In addition, Robert is first former Charlotte Knights player to win the award since Yolmer Sánchez took home the AL Rawlings Gold Glove Award in 2019 at second base with the White Sox.

“I have always dreamed of winning a Gold Glove, so this is a dream come true. I joked around this season with Yolmer Sánchez about the possibility of winning it one day and being a Gold Glover like him,” said Robert. “I felt happy with my defense, but I know I can do more and be better. I have to thank Daryl Boston because he helped me adjust to the big leagues and taught me to take better advantage of my defensive skills. This award is a motivation for me.”

For his rookie campaign, Robert posted an impressive .994 fielding percentage and committed just one error in 154 chances. He led all American League outfielders in total chances and ranked sixth overall in defensive WAR (1.0). Robert also ranked among the MLB Statcast leaders in runs prevented (T2nd, 5), outs above average (T2nd, 7) and defensive runs saved (T7th, 8).

WHITE SOX HISTORY
Robert is just the fifth outfielder to earn the distinguished Rawlings Gold Glove Award as a member of the White Sox, joining Ken Berry (1970), Tommie Agee (1966), Jim Landis (1961-64) and Minnie Miñoso (1957, ’60). Overall, the White Sox as a franchise have nine total Gold Glove Awards among outfielders.

KNIGHTS CAREER
In 47 games with the Knights in 2019, Robert hit .297 (60-for-202) with 44 runs scored, 10 doubles, five triples, 16 home runs, 39 RBIs, and seven stolen bases. He had one four-hit game (8/13 vs. SWB) and 18 multi-hit games. He had three multi-homer games and 10 multi-RBI games.

2019 SEASON REVISITED
Robert's solid 2020 season does not come as a surprise. Overall between three levels in 2019, he hit .328 (165-for-503) with 108 runs scored, 31 doubles, 11 triples, 32 home runs, 92 RBIs, and 36 stolen bases combined over 122 games with Winston-Salem (High-A), Birmingham (Double-A), and Charlotte (Triple-A). Robert finished the season as a member of the exclusive 30-30 club, swatting 32 home runs and stealing 36 bases. Additionally, he was a 2019 Southern League Mid-Season All-Star and represented the Chicago White Sox organization at the 2019 Sirius XM All-Star Futures Game in Cleveland, OH.

WHAT'S NEXT
Robert had a rookie season he will never forget. The talented Cuban native shined at the plate and in the field. His Gold Glove Award is just the first of many awards he can win over the course of what should be a stellar career. In fact, it may not be the only award he wins in 2020. Robert is also a finalist for the American League Rookie of the Year Award. Winners will be announced on November 9.