The Philadelphia Phillies might have dropped their game against the New York Yankees on Sunday, but they took the series and sit within striking distance of the New York Mets for first place in the division with the trade deadline looming.
As a result of their success so far this season, plus the fact that several veteran stars could become free agents in the winter, the Phillies are poised to add an impact player or two at that upcoming deadline. And an upgrade for the outfield, like the Chicago White Sox’s Luis Robert Jr., could fit the bill.
“The Phillies would need Robert to only be an upgrade over Johan Rojas (.223, one homer, .571 OPS),” Scott Lauber noted for The Philadelphia Inquirer. “They could move Brandon Marsh to left field, where Max Kepler is batting .205 with 11 homers and a .663 OPS.”
Last year, Robert was one of the most coveted potential trade chips in the sport, but persistent injury problems and an offensive regression might have changed things. He no longer seems to be a surefire center fielder of the future, but he could make sense for the Phillies, particularly if a change of scenery helps him rediscover his offensive prowess.
As the Phillies enter a series with the White Sox, Phillies reliever Tanner Banks was asked if a move to Philadelphia via trade could help Robert bounce back. And Banks, who was teammates with Robert on the White Sox two years ago, offered a clear, two-word response.
“For sure,” Banks said, per Lauber. “Across the board in baseball, sometimes that’s what it takes. … Robert’s a gamer. Certain guys, you wonder if they’re hurt or if they’re pulling the chute. I can say from firsthand experience, he’s a guy that would be hurting but wants to play and the training staff would be like, ‘No, we’re going to slow you down.’ He wants to play every day.”
If the Phillies feel the same way about Robert’s chances to add some significant outfield pop as a member of their team, he could soon enjoy a reunion with Banks and a trip to the playoffs in red.
More MLB: Giants Calling Up Top Pitching Prospect For MLB Debut Vs. Pirates
Read the full article here
