Could the Braves strengthen their outfield by pulling off a blockbuster trade with the White Sox? Should they go for it?
It’s mock trade season, and the Atlanta Braves have become a popular topic for roster shake-up ideas. One recent proposal suggests the Braves could make a bold move involving the southside squad.
Zach Presnell of Newsweek and SI floated the idea of Atlanta trading for White Sox star. to bolster their outfield. In this scenario, the Braves would send Bryce Elder, Nacho Alvarez, and David McCabe (ranked as Atlanta’s 13th prospect) to Chicago in return.
While the concept is intriguing, it’s highly likely that the Braves would need to offer a more substantial package to land Robert Jr. Moreover, the White Sox would be selling low on him after his least productive season by fWAR as a professional. Still, it raises an interesting question: should the Braves pursue a deal for Robert Jr., or is this a move that Alex Anthopoulos should steer clear of?
Trading for Robert Jr. has high risk/high reward potential
Luis Robert Jr. is the kind of talent that would demand top-tier prospects in return if a trade were to happen. That’s the inherent risk in this deal. However, if Robert returns to form, he could solidify Atlanta’s outfield for years to come.
On the flip side, there’s a chance Robert Jr. might not bounce back from his career-worst 2024 season. Last year, he posted a .224/.278/.379 slash line, an 84 wRC+, and a career-low 0.5 fWAR. His struggles were compounded by high strikeout rates and minimal walks, so his decline wasn’t entirely surprising. Trading valuable prospects for a player who might deliver below-average production could be a tough pill to swallow.
That said, Robert Jr.’s potential and track record suggest a strong chance of a rebound. Just two seasons ago, in 2023, he was an All-Star and had a career-best season. He hit .264/.315/.542 with 38 home runs, 20 stolen bases, a 128 wRC+, ranked in the 98th percentile for Outs Above Average (OAA), and earned a 4.9 fWAR, placing him among the top 10 American League position players.
Financially, Robert Jr. is set to earn $15 million in 2025, with club options for $20 million in 2026 and 2027. If he regains his 2023 form, that price tag is a bargain. If not, the team could cut ties after one season without being burdened by a long-term financial commitment.
At 27, Robert Jr. remains an enigmatic player. While his 2024 performance was disappointing, it’s worth considering the context: he played for a historically bad White Sox team, which may have affected his motivation and performance.
The Braves’ last attempt to address their outfield with a low-risk acquisition of Jarred Kelenic didn’t pan out. A move for Robert Jr., however, could offer more optimism and a realistic path to consistent production in left field for Atlanta.
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