Ben Gamel stepped up to the plate against the White Sox and looked ready to take a questionable strike call in stride. Next pitch, he launched one deep to left-center that looked gone off the bat. But Luis Robert had other plans. The 22-year-old outfielder sprinted back, leapt at the wall, and nearly pulled off a highlight-reel robbery. He got to the ball, got glove on it, but couldn’t hang on. The ball popped out on contact with the wall, and Gamel circled the bases while Robert stared at his glove, frustrated and stunned.
Afterward, Robert was visibly angry, hitting his glove and muttering under his breath. The near-catch showed off his instincts and athleticism, but the glove didn’t cooperate. Had he held on, it would’ve been one of the flashier defensive plays of the year. Still, the moment added to Robert’s growing reputation. He’s young, confident, and has the tools to be a star. Plays like this, even the near-misses, show he’s already making an impact in center field.