Phillies Trade Proposal Sends $50 Million All-Star Slugger in a 4-Player Exchange
Luis Robert Jr., an outfielder for the Getty White Sox, is a top trade candidate this year. Is a landing spot with the Philadelphia Phillies feasible?
The Philadelphia Phillies, who have a 44-19 record after 63 games, are among the top teams in baseball. Before the July 30 trade deadline, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski might try to make a major splash by chasing Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr.
Recently, there has been a lot of talk about the 2023 All-Star.June 6: According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the White Sox are “actively pursuing packages” for the slugger. In light of this, Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report listed 10 potential destinations for Robert.
The Phillies were first on his list. This is the proposed transaction that he came up with:
White Sox obtain infielder Justin Crawford, shortstop William Bergolla, and shortstop Aidan Miller.
Miller (ranked second), Crawford (ranked fourth), and Bergolla (ranked eleventh) are the Phillies’ top 15 prospects, according to MLB.com.
“Take this as a reminder that the Phillies have a strong farm system as well, but this transaction would still allow them to keep right-handers Andrew Painter and Mick Abel, who rank as their No. 1 and No. 3 prospects,” Rymer stated.
Robert Would Provide the Phillies with a Sustainable Solution in Center Field
Johan Rojas is the Phillies’ starting center fielder right now. Despite his strong defensive play, he hasn’t produced much on offense this season. Rojas’ batting line has dipped to.234/.273/.299 over 180 plate appearances in 2024 after hitting.302/.342/.430 in 164 plate appearances for Philly in 2023.
Dombrowski should consider adding Robert if he wants to add significant offensive impact. Due to a trip to the injured list, Robert has only amassed 45 plate appearances in 2024, although he just had an incredible 2023 season. With career-high totals for home runs (38), doubles (36), RBI (80), and runs scored (90), he slashed.264/.315/.542.
Robert’s contract status makes a prospective deal for Philly even more alluring, albeit the possible injury worries. On the six-year, $50 million contract he signed with Chicago prior to 2020, he has two guaranteed seasons left. According to Spotrac, the outfielder will earn $15 million in 2025 in addition to $12.5 million this year.
Two $20 million club options, nevertheless, are also available in 2026 and 2027. If both options are exercised, Robert’s contract will remain in effect until his 29th season.
Would the White Sox Accept This Trade?
Like in any possible trade situation, agreement is required from both parties for anything to occur. Do you think the White Sox would entertain Rymer’s proposal?
The Phillies are able to hang onto top prospects Andrew Painter and Mick Abel thanks to this hypothetical transaction. But in this case, Chicago would still receive a fascinating bunch of guys in return for Robert. Nevertheless, Rymer stated, “the White Sox wouldn’t be settling.” “Miller is a future power hitter in the infield, while Crawford is a speedster who can run like his father, Carl.” As far as returns go, this would be rather thrilling.
Throughout the majority of the previous offseason, the White Sox did not lower their demanding price for starting pitcher Dylan Cease. Given that teams are aggressively looking for midseason upgrades, it will be interesting to watch how the discussions differ.
Matt Musico has been writing about baseball for the past ten years and covers Major League Baseball for Heavy.com. In addition to being the inventor of MLB Daily Dingers, he has had his work highlighted on Bleacher Report, Elite Sports NY, numberFire, MLB Trade Rumors, and Yahoo! Sports.Additional information on Matt Musico
