Phillies Linked to Luis Robert Jr. to Replace Beloved Outfielder
Phillies Linked to Luis Robert Jr. to Replace Beloved Outfielder originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Philadelphia Phillies have been an NL powerhouse since 2022, reaching the World Series that season and winning the NL East by an impressive six games in 2024. Fresh off their first division title in 13 years, the Phillies are locked in a tight battle against the New York Mets, who hold a one-game lead in the East.
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As a clear contender, whether they win the division or make it into the postseason via the wild card round, the Phillies will undoubtedly be buyers at the trade deadline. The Phillies' main pursuit will be in finding pitching help, however, one analyst recently speculated on who the Phillies might be interested in to boost their offense. In a piece from Bleacher Report, MLB writer Kerry Miller suggested the Phillies might want to take a gamble on Luis Robert Jr.
'After a mediocre 2024 season and an even worse first two months of the present season, though, we shall see if they can even manage to trade [Luis Robert Jr.] at all this summer,' Miller wrote when predicting the major trade chips on the market this year.
Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) at bat in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
'Robert has at least been healthy, though. So healthy, in fact, that he somehow leads the majors in stolen bases despite possessing one of the worst batting averages among qualified hitters. Moreover, center fielders worth anything close to a darn aren't exactly growing on trees and readily available at the trade deadline. The Phillies and Mets could both use one.'
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Over his career, Robert has compiled some notable stats and achievements. Unfortunately, injuries have consistently derailed him. As of today, he has only eclipsed 100 games played in a single season once. The former Silver Slugger and Gold Glover has shown a remarkable talent for every aspect of the game. However, this year, the White Sox slugger owns a .180/.270/.291 slash line with five home runs and 21 steals.
If the Phillies do trade for him, it would be for his explosive potential when compared to Brandon Marsh. Like Robert, Marsh has also scuffled, hitting .220/.319/.330 with two home runs. If Robert can find his old form, this buy-low opportunity could be a once-in-a-decade type deal for whoever lands him.
Related: Phillies' Rob Thomson Takes Blame For Poor Managing Amid Brewers Sweep
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
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