GLENDALE, Ariz. -- For outfielder Luis Robert, MLB's No. 25 prospect, the Arizona Fall League is chance to extend his season and make up for an up-and-down first two years in the Chicago White Sox farm system.
This year, in three Minor League stops, the team's No. 4 prospect was limited to 50 games due to nagging injuries. He hit a combined .307 but never homered.
After going 2-for-4 with three runs and an RBI in Glendale's 10-9 loss to Surprise on Thursday, Robert now has four hits (all singles) in his first 13 at-bats for the Desert Dogs.
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"My goal in the Arizona Fall League is to play more," said Robert. "That's what was missing from my season; I couldn't play that much. I need to keep playing so I can adapt as fast as I can to baseball in the U.S."
The White Sox signed Robert, then 19 years old, in May 2017 after he defected from Cuba. The top-ranked international free agent signed for a $26 million signing bonus -- the second highest ever given to an amateur, behind Yoan Moncada's $31 million -- and became another piece of the collection of young talent assembled by general manager Rick Hahn.
Prior to signing, Robert played in the Cuban National Series, as well as played for the Cuban National team, and was able to gain the experience he needed to attract MLB teams.
In addition to simply getting extra at-bats, Robert has a particular focus in the Fall League.
"I've been working a lot on my swing, trying to make it better so I can make better contact against breaking pitches," he said. "I am going to work hard during the offseason, give my best effort and get to the highest league I can reach next year."
The White Sox are hoping a healthy Robert can climb the Minor League ladder quickly, so he can join a young White Sox core that has the potential to make strides in the AL Central.