White Sox add Robert in $52 million deal

CHICAGO — The White Sox used a mix of their Cuban club tradition and new-school technology to lure prized prospect Luis Robert.

The money didn’t hurt, either.

Chicago finalized a minor league contract with the 19-year-old outfielder on Saturday, a deal that includes a $ 26 million signing bonus and will cost the White Sox an additional $ 26 million in tax for exceeding their international bonus pool.

Robert is the latest prospect added to the Chicago system, a process which began during the offseason with trades of ace Chris Sale and outfielder Adam Eaton. Chicago is rebuilding after four straight losing seasons.

“We have been able to accomplish a lot in terms of spreading our (international) pools over the last several years, but now we have a chance to get potentially such an impactful talent,” gener- al manager Rick Hahn said.

The primary prospect in the Sale deal was Yoan Moncada, a Cuban second baseman. Jose Abreu and the late Minnie Minoso are among the Cubans who have played for the White Sox.

“I feel proud,” said Robert through a translator. “Those players were examples in Cuba. For me to be wearing the same uniform, it’s an honor.”

During one of Hahn’s trips to the Dominican Republic to scout Robert, he brought a virtual-reality presentation of the White Sox ballpark clubhouse narrated by manager Rick Renteria, along with video testimonials from Moncada, Abreu, and reliever Michael Ynoa, a Dominican who shares a trainer with Robert.

“The video helped a lot, but the thing that made the decision was they were t he t eam who showed the most interest in me,” Robert said. “That made me feel good.”