Getty Luis Robert Jr. could give the Yankees offense a boost
The New York Yankees are going through a rough stretch. Outside of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, the Yankees offense is struggling. They rank No. 19 in runs for July despite ranking No. 1 on the season.
Trading for outfielder Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox could give the team an offensive boost, according to Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report.
“The White Sox centerfielder is making $12.5M this season (a little over $4M prorated as of July 30) and $15M in 2025 before $20M club options for 2026 and 2027,” Miller wrote in a July 10 story on trade targets who could save what he called a “sinking season.” “Not only would acquiring his slugging prowess spruce up the 2024 lineup, but having Robert under contract for up to three more years would help soften the blow if Soto signs elsewhere this offseason.”
After starting the season 49-21, the Yankees had the best record in baseball on June 12. However, they have the worst record in baseball in their last 23 games (6-17). And Alex Verdugo, a candidate for replacement in the outfield, also started strong but has slashed 226/.261/.368 since May 8.
Luis Robert Jr. Could Give the Yankees’ Offense a Boost
Robert signed a six-year, $50 million contract extension with the White Sox in 2020 before even making his big league debut. However, the once No. 3 prospect in baseball has struggled with staying healthy. He has been placed on the injured list seven times since making his MLB debut in 2020. This season, Robert went on the injured list on April 6 with a right hip flexor strain.
LUIS ROBERT GOES 470 FEET
Robert played over 100 games for the first time in his career last season. In 2023, he slashed .264/.315/.542, hitting 38 home runs and winning his first career Silver Slugger. Robert returned to the lineup on June 4.
Since his return, he has 8 home runs and an .802 OPS. His .791 OPS for the season would put him just behind Giancarlo Stanton, who is currently on the injured list, for the fourth-best OPS on the Yankees.
what a catch by Luis Robert Jr.‼️
Defensively, Robert is primarily a center fielder. The Yankees could do some shuffling in the outfield if they wanted his bat in the lineup. Judge could play right field if the Yankees were to acquire a center fielder at the deadline.
Brian Cashman’s Thoughts on the Trade Deadline
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed to reporters on July 9 that the team will “be open-minded to a lot of different things” ahead of the July 30 trade deadline.
Brian Cashman met with @M_Marakovits and the rest of the media earlier today, to discuss the state of the Yankees. #YANKSonYES
“We definitely have areas to improve upon and we’ll do our best to do so,” Cashman said.
In 2022, the Yankees started 61-23 before playing sub-.500 the rest of the way. Ultimately, they were swept by the eventual World Series champion Houston Astros. This season could shape up to be the same if the Yankees don’t turn things around.
“Thankfully, we got out of the gates really strong, so hopefully that cushion will allow us to work through this, hopefully sooner than later, because it’s gone on long enough,” Cashman said.
In 2022, the Yankees tried to right the ship with the acquisitions of Andrew Benintendi, Frankie Montas and Harrison Bader. Those additions did not yield the results the Yankees had hoped for, but 2024 could be a different story.
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$50 Million Slugger Called ‘Trade Option’ for Yankees Amid Offensive Struggles