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CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa recently made the bold prediction that the Cincinnati Reds would land a blockbuster trade for struggling Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. ahead of the trade deadline.
“This one almost feels like fait accompli, so I’m not sure it qualifies as a bold prediction. The Reds tried to get Robert in the offseason and I assume they’ll try again at the deadline given a) their need for an outfielder, and b) the price coming down given Robert’s poor season,” Axisa wrote. “He took a .190/.275/.325 slash line into the break, which is just terrible.
“That said, outfielders with less upside will be traded in the coming weeks. There is no chance the White Sox will pick up Robert’s $20 million option after the season, so they figure to trade him for whatever they can get at the deadline. The Reds need an outfielder and they’re right in the mix of the wild-card race. Robert would be a nice low-cost move with a chance to pay huge dividends.”
But does this trade make sense for both sides?
For the White Sox, it’s clear they need to trade Robert. He hasn’t shown any signs of turning around his poor play, so there’s a very low chance he’s going to increase his trade value from here on out.
For the Reds, the trade would make sense, as long as the White Sox aren’t asking for a king’s ransom in return. Adding Robert to the lineup would be a boost against left-handed pitchers, as the Reds typically use Connor Joe in the lineup against southpaws right now.
If Cincinnati could use Edwin Arroyo as the headliner in a deal for Robert, it would make plenty of sense. Arroyo doesn’t look like the elite prospect he was when the Reds acquired him from the Seattle Mariners. But he’s still a projectable, switch-hitting shortstop.
Robert hasn’t been good this season, but it would be tough for anybody to be too good while playing for the current White Sox team. If traded, Robert would likely pick up his play by quite a bit.
More MLB: Red Sox Blockbuster? Why Boston Is Perfect Fit For Potential Trade Chip
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