Despite having another career-worst season, Luis Robert Jr. is allegedly on the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies’ trade deadline wishlist.
“Luis Robert Jr. continues to draw attention as a potential trade piece. Teams like the Yankees, Mariners, and Phillies are expected to be in the conversation ahead of the trade deadline,” industry sources told MLB insider Francys Romero this week.
The Chicago White Sox center fielder has been in trade rumors for the last two seasons. However, in that time, he’s done everything possible to destroy his value. After a breakthrough season in 2023 where he earned All-Star honors, posted career highs in home runs (38), RBI’s (80), and runs (90), he has been a shell of himself.
Last season, he posted a career-worst slashline of .224/.278/.379/.657. The hope was that 2024 was an outlier and he would bounce back to All-Star form this year. Unfortunately, after 59 games, he is on pace to put up even worse numbers than last year, as he currently owns a sad slashline of .184/.269/.304/.574.
Why would the Yankees or Phillies want Luis Robert Jr.?
Bringing in the 27-year-old one-time All-Star would be all about potential for the Yankees and Phillies. If he can recapture his elite form from two years ago, he would be a big addition for any playoff contender. And if he disappoints, the pair of teams can move on from him after the season. Since his contract includes two club options the next two years.
For New York, interest in the centerfielder may confirm the organization is worried about stud prospect Jasson Dominguez. He has been alright at the plate, but that could always improve. However, his defense has long been a big issue. Robert Jr. would be a major upgrade to strengthen the Yanks’ outfield D for the stretch run.
The Sox player would also be a notable upgrade for the Phillies in center. Assuming he can play like he did in 2023. Philly has gotten little from that position offensively. Robert Jr.’s addition doesn’t guarantee they will get better hitting from center. But at the least, they bring in a Gold Glove-level defender to man the most important spot in the outfield.
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