The Philadelphia Phillies are once again in the market for outfield help. While they acquired Harrison Bader at the trade deadline, there were other outfielders that the Phillies were linked to.
While the Phillies could try to sign a player like Cody Bellinger, they could instead turn to the trade market and link up with a team to acquire a new center fielder.
For Jesse Rogers of ESPN, there's one clear fit for the Phillies: Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. After rumors at the trade deadline, the Phillies are predicted to finally trade for Robert.
Phillies predicted to acquire Luis Robert Jr. From White Sox
"It's time." Rogers writes. "Time for Robert to find a new home and time for the Phillies to mix up the vibe a little."
Robert has been floating in trade talks for some time, and with his $20 million option picked up by the White Sox, he's readily available for trade.
The White Sox likely won't ask for Andrew Painter, Justin Crawford, or Aidan Miller, as Robert is a one-year rental. If the Phillies can get the White Sox to take on some of his 2026 salary, then a trade would make even more sense.
He's a right-handed hitting outfielder who brings with him quality power, speed, and defense. In 2025, he had 33 stolen bases, the most in his career. In 2023, he hit 38 home runs and added 36 doubles.
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Back in 2020, during his rookie season, Robert won a Gold Glove. And while it was only across 68 games, in 2021, Robert hit.338 with a.946 OPS.
If he could put all of this together - strong defense, power-hitting, base-stealing ability, and batting average - the Phillies could be getting an incredible player.
The only issue is that he's yet to have a consistent season. But if he comes to Philadelphia and has a chance to compete for a World Series ring and prove himself on a bigger stage than with the White Sox, then Robert might be able to piece together his best season yet.
It's a risk worth taking for the Phillies, especially since Robert would fill the right-handed hitting need, and the center fielder need that's been apparent for over a year now.
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