REPORT: Phillies Consider Acquiring $50 Million White Sox Center Fielder To Replace Brandon Marsh

The Philadelphia Phillies have only completed 12 games so far, but some analysts are already raising doubts about the team’s decision to start Brandon Marsh in center field. In light of this, Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report suggested a few potential trade targets to replace Marsh, including former All-Star Luis Robert Jr.

Robert, the Chicago White Sox center fielder, earned an All-Star nod in 2023 after slashing .264/.315/.542. That season, he hit a career-high 38 home runs along with 36 doubles, 80 RBIs, and 90 runs scored. He also added 20 stolen bases, showcasing his speed on the basepaths.

Back in 2020, Robert signed a six-year, $50 million extension with the White Sox, which runs through at least the 2025 season. The contract also includes $20 million team options for both 2026 and 2027.

Is Luis Robert Jr. the Right Fit for the Philadelphia Phillies?

Two years ago, the Phillies wouldn’t have hesitated to pursue Luis Robert if their current center field situation was the same back then. In 2023, Robert not only earned an All-Star nod but also took home an AL Silver Slugger.

However, last season he struggled at the plate, finishing with a .224 average and a .647 OPS. A Grade 2 strain in his right hip flexor, suffered on April 5, seemed to significantly affect his swing—even after he returned from a two-month stint on the injured list.

This season, Robert’s struggles have continued.

“As far as early signs go, Robert hasn’t started strong,” Miller noted. “While staying healthy so far is encouraging, his performance has dipped sharply—from an .857 OPS in 2023 to .657 last year, and now just .444 through nine games.”

Since that comment, Robert’s numbers have worsened. Over 11 games, he’s hitting just .154 with a .424 OPS—managing only six hits in 39 at-bats, with one extra-base hit and five walks over 45 plate appearances.

Even so, Miller emphasized that teams in the playoff hunt will still be interested in him.

“There’s no question he’ll be on the trade block for the right offer, and there’s still plenty of time for him to rebound before the deadline,” Miller added.

Other Center Field Options for Phillies

If Luis Robert rebounds as many expect, the Phillies might become more interested in acquiring him via trade. However, that interest wouldn’t be unique to Philadelphia—teams like the Mets, their NL East rivals, could also be in the mix.

In fact, Miller mentioned Robert as a potential trade target for the Mets earlier this week.

With that in mind, the Phillies may need to explore other outfield options as well. Besides Robert, Miller also suggested Cedric Mullins of the Orioles and Lane Thomas of the Guardians as possible fits.

“Mullins might be an especially interesting choice,” Miller noted. “He’s entering his final season before free agency, and the Orioles have an abundance of hitters pushing for everyday roles. They may not even need to fall out of the playoff race to consider dealing him at the deadline.”

Mullins has started 2025 on a strong note, hitting .286 with a .971 OPS, three homers, and three doubles over his first 50 plate appearances in 12 games—much better than Robert so far.

Center field is an area of concern for the Phillies, with Brandon Marsh struggling early. He’s slashing just .133/.257/.233 in 35 plate appearances across 11 games.

Meanwhile, Max Kepler, a free-agent addition mostly playing left field, is off to a modest start with a .237 average and .724 OPS.