Club control seemed to be a major thing emphasized by the Chicago White Sox front office during the 2025 trade deadline.
The Sox opted to keep Luis Robert Jr. with the intention of picking up his $20 millon club option for the 2026 season. Chicago did not view Robert Jr. as a rental, but rather a five-tool outfielder that could remain with the club through 2027.
The same philosophy goes for the bullpen. Veteran pitchers like Steven Wilson, Dan Altavilla, and Tyler Gilbert were not traded.