Getty Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox could be a trade fit for the Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies may own baseball’s best record at 64-38, but their outfield is below average as the team heads into the final two months of the season.
So trading for centerfielder Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox could give Philadelphia a boost before a potential deep postseason, according to The Athletic’s Jim Bowden.
In his July 25 story on “deadline trades I’d like to see,” Bowden pitched a three-player deal that would land Robert with the Phillies:
- Phillies receive: centerfielder Luis Robert Jr.
- White Sox receive: centerfielder Justin Crawford and right-handed pitcher Mick Abel
“I know Phillies fans will be screaming not to include Crawford, a first-round draft pick in 2022 out of high school, who has already reached Double A,” Bowden wrote. “However, Robert is a better overall player with much more power and could be the final big piece that helps the Phillies win the World Series this year.”
Crawford, the Phillies’ first-round pick out of high school in 2022, is the organization’s No. 3 prospect. Meanwhile, Abel, the Phillies’ No. 5 prospect, is currently in Triple-A.
Phillies Outfield Struggles
The Phillies’ outfield — Nick Castellanos, Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas — have combined for a -0.9 wins above average, ranking them 19th in the majors through July 24.
Robert would instantly upgrade the Phillies’ center field position, which is ranked 26th in OPS. Rojas has a slightly higher batting average (.231) than Robert (.227), but Robert has outperformed Rojas in every other meaningful offensive statistic and tops him in wins above replacement (1.2 to 0.4).
Ultimately, the Phillies outfield have lacked consistency from their outfield. Castellanos, a 2023 All-Star, was struggling but is starting to heat up, raising his average from .231 to .242 this month. Marsh is slashing .251/.330/.417, but July has not been kind to him — just seven hits in his last 43 at-bats. Castellanos has failed to match the numbers he put up as an All-Star in 2023. Rojas played in just 59 games last season but held a .302 average.
Marsh has a 110 OPS+ this season and is the best outfielder the Phillies have by that metric. Robert has a 116 OPS+, instantly making him the best of the Phillies outfielders in that regard. He has a .265/.333/.456 slash line in July.
With Marsh in left field and a heating up Castellanos in right field, the Phillies outfield would be set for a deep run. Rojas would serve as a fourth option.
Dave Dombrowski, president of baseball operations, has shown he is not scared to make some big trades. This season may be another opportunity to add to that list of deals.
Robert’s Trade Market
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.
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 10 home runs and a .780 OPS.
Robert would demand a significant trade package as he is signed through next season and has club options in 2026 and 2027.
“The White Sox would ask for shortstop Aidan Miller straight up and the Phillies would decline. They’d then ask for right-hander Andrew Painter, who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, to be in the deal and again would be turned down,” wrote Bowden. “However, a deal for Crawford and Abel should be able to get done.”
Robert would like to remain in Chicago but understands that he could be moved, and will continue to focus on baseball regardless of any trade, according to MLB.com’s Scott Merkin.
“Everybody has been texting me, asking me about that, all those rumors,” Robert said through interpreter Billy Russo on June 8. “This is nothing I can control. I would like to stay here, but if the team decided otherwise, I have to keep playing baseball. If it’s here or not, I have to do what I have to do.”