The San Diego Padres started the season strong, looking like one of baseball’s top teams, but they still face a tough road in catching the rival Los Angeles Dodgers in the race for a World Series appearance.
Boasting a lineup filled with power hitters, a solid starting rotation, and a deep bullpen, the Padres have few weak spots to address before the trade deadline. However, they’ve already identified one area for improvement.
Following Jason Heyward’s placement on the injured list due to a left oblique strain, the team has started “looking into trade options for a left fielder,” according to Kevin Acee of The San Diego Union-Tribune.
As the Padres consider their choices, Jim Riley of BALLCAP Sports suggested that they may ultimately target Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr.
“If you put Luis Robert in a clubhouse led by Mike Shildt, surrounded by experienced veterans, I think you have a real chance to get him back on track,” Riley said. “A team that’s winning, having fun, staying focused—that could be just the environment he needs. If you’re going to fix Luis Robert, this is your best bet.”
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Robert has struggled to recapture his Silver Slugger form this season, batting just .191 with a .277 on-base percentage and a .309 slugging percentage. Still, he leads the league with 21 stolen bases and has shown the power potential to hit 38 home runs in a season.
Riley also noted that Robert, in the final year of a $50 million deal with Chicago, might be available at a bargain price.
“If you can get him for a steal, you do it,” Riley said. “Even if you give up your 20th-ranked prospect and he doesn’t perform, you just move him to the bench. It’s worth the shot.”
Given the low risk and potential high reward, the Padres may see Robert as a smart trade target as they gear up for a postseason run.
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