The Major League Baseball trade deadline is quickly approaching on July 31.
Although the Philadelphia Phillies’ priority should be adding to their bullpen, which has a 4.67 ERA entering Wednesday, at the deadline, picking up another bat certainly wouldn’t hurt, especially one that can play center field.
Let’s examine some affordable trade options the Phillies should consider at the deadline.
Luis Robert Jr., CF, Chicago White Sox
Robert Jr. has long been linked to the Phillies. However, the 27-year-old has lost some of his luster this season. The righty bat is hitting just .177 with a .553 OPS for Chicago this year, sporting just five home runs and 21 RBI. The one-time Silver Slugger does have a league-leading 21 stolen bases, though.
Still, it’s a far cry from his 2023 All-Star season in which he belted 38 homers, drove in 80 runs, and stole 20 bases to the tune of a .264/.315/.542 slash line. This is what initially made Robert Jr., a former Gold Glove Award winner, so appealing to Philadelphia, because the club is in dire need of a center fielder with some pop. The platoon of Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas isn’t good enough for a contending team.
