The Philadelphia Phillies entered the All-Star break with a 62-34 record, leading the National League despite some imperfections. To bolster their outfield for a potential deep postseason run, Steve Perrault suggested a trade during a Bleacher Report livestream. His proposal would send Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox to Philadelphia.
The proposed trade details are as follows:
– Phillies acquire: CF Luis Robert Jr.
– White Sox receive: RHP Andrew Painter and OF Justin Crawford
Painter and Crawford are the Phillies’ No. 1 and No. 3 prospects, respectively, and are ranked No. 19 and No. 55 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects list. Perrault emphasized that acquiring a player of Robert’s caliber would require a significant trade package.
“You’re going to have to give up top talent if you want to get somebody like Robert in return,” Perrault noted.
Phillies Outfield Struggles
The Phillies’ center fielders rank 24th in OPS this season, with Johan Rojas as the main center fielder. Rojas has a .231 batting average this season, but he’s not the only outfielder struggling. Nick Castellanos is hitting .233. Brandon Marsh has been the standout performer among them.
Marsh is slashing .263/.344/.436, numbers similar to his 2023 season. Castellanos hasn’t been able to replicate his All-Star performance from 2023. Rojas, who played only 59 games last season, had a .302 average. The Phillies could use an upgrade in their outfield. Marsh, with a 120 OPS+, is the best outfielder on the team by that metric. Robert, with a 124 OPS+ and a .900 OPS in July, would instantly be the top outfielder for the Phillies.
Robert’s Trade Market
Robert signed a six-year, $50 million contract extension with the White Sox in 2020 before his big league debut. Despite being a top prospect, he has faced challenges with injuries, landing on the injured list seven times since his 2020 MLB debut. This season, he went on the injured list on April 6 due to a right hip flexor strain.
Last season, Robert played over 100 games for the first time in his career. In 2023, he posted a .264/.315/.542 slash line, hit 38 home runs, and won his first Silver Slugger award. He returned to the lineup on June 4 and since then has hit 9 home runs with a .815 OPS.
Robert, signed through next season with club options for 2026 and 2027, would require a significant trade package, making him a key player available at the trade deadline and attracting interest from many teams.
Dave Dombrowski, the Phillies’ president of baseball operations, has a history of making bold trades and may see this season as another opportunity to bolster the team.
Perrault emphasized the importance of the Phillies capitalizing on their recent success, particularly this season. With Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto returning soon, adding Robert could further strengthen the Phillies.
Robert has expressed a desire to stay in Chicago but is aware of the possibility of being traded. According to MLB.com’s Scott Merkin, Robert remains focused on playing baseball regardless of any trade rumors.
“Everyone has been texting me about the rumors,” Robert said through interpreter Billy Russo on June 8. “I can’t control that. I want to stay here, but if the team decides otherwise, I still have to play baseball, whether it’s here or elsewhere.”
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