The Philadelphia Phillies are, no surprise, targeting a right-handed hitting outfielder this offseason. Harrison Bader was a good trade deadline pickup, but they still need to pursue another option this winter.
With a clear need, it's hardly a surprise that Luis Robert Jr., one of the best right-handed hitting outfielders available for trade or in free agency, is linked to the Phillies.
However, as Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal report for The Athletic, the Phillies aren't alone. The New York Mets are also interested in Robert. And yet, the biggest threat to trade for Robert is neither club; instead, an NL Central team that typically doesn't spend big is viewed as the favorite for Robert.
Phillies' biggest threat for Luis Robert Jr. Sweepstakes is Pirates, not Mets
"And while Robert has drawn interest from the Mets and Philadelphia Phillies," Rosenthal and Sammon write, "he might be more likely to end up with a low-payroll team that ends up striking out on free agents - the Pittsburgh Pirates, for example."
If the Phillies and Mets are going after Robert, most would expect that one of those clubs would wind up landing the polarizing Chicago White Sox slugger.
But, this report from The Athletic indicates that a team that strikes out on the top outfielder free agents, like the Pirates, could turn their attention to the White Sox slugger.
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Both the Mets and Phillies could use Robert, but if the Pirates or another low-payroll club is willing to take on some money to land Robert for one season, then the star outfielder is likely to head somewhere else than the Phillies or Mets.
Robert is 28 years old and would be a great option for the Phillies in the outfield. The Mets would typically be their biggest competition, and they are at the moment, but if trade negotiations drag on, then the Phillies might be facing a tougher challenge from a lesser club for Robert's services in 2026.
He's owed $20 million in 2026, and while not a small amount, the White Sox are willing to take on some of the money to land a better return. While the Phillies and Mets are clear suitors, Robert might wind up with a Pirates-esque team.
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