It's the middle of June, which means all the trade deadline rumors have begun to swirl. Once again, Luis Robert Jr. is back on the trade market and resurfacing in every Philadelphia Phillies fan's feed. So, for another season, rumors have already surfaced, as Robert Jr. has once again been listed as a potential fit for the Phillies by MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.
The rumors started during the 2023 season when Robert Jr. had his breakout All-Star season with the Chicago White Sox. However, it seemed the price was too high that season and in the offseason, and obviously, terms were never agreed upon. Most people still saw him as a fit for the Phillies this past offseason and currently, as this season progresses.
Robert Jr. has not been the same hitter, however, since that 2023 season. It will be intriguing to see if his trade value shifts enough to be traded, as that is part of why not only the Phillies, but nobody else, has yet to pull the trigger. Fans already know the struggles the Phillies have had offensively this season in the outfield, and this becomes the question again is whether that value is worth moving for another struggling hitter.
In 2020, Robert Jr. was second in AL Rookie of the Year voting and added a Gold Glove to his resume. His defense has continued to stay strong, and his speed on the base paths is another strong point. However, his hitting has taken a hit over the years. He battled injuries in 2024, playing in only 100 games.
Luis Robert Jr.'s struggles could bring the trade deadline price down enough for the Phillies
There is always the saying that maybe a change of scenery can do well for a player. Any team that tries to add Robert Jr. will have to hope that a new location and a hitting coach can help him find his old offensive output.
Robert Jr. is currently hitting a career low in batting average and on-base percentage, with a season slash line of .192/.275/.306. He has just six home runs and 28 RBIs. He's striking out at a high rate of 31.3 percent, which ranks in the bottom four percent of the league.
However, on the other side, he has seen some bad luck this season with a .237 xBA and .402 xSLG. His hard-hit rate of 43.7 percent is his highest since the 2021 season. When he does reach base, he has used his speed with 22 stolen bases, which ranks fourth in Major League Baseball.
The Phillies will be looking to add at the 2025 trade deadline, with center field one of their biggest needs (subscription required), according to The Athletic's Jim Bowden. Is this a big enough upgrade for the Phillies to make with Robert Jr. having club options for the 2026 and 2027 seasons worth $20 million? It gives the Phillies some team control instead of just a rental piece.
If the trade price is still really high for Robert Jr., it would be smart to hold off and save the prospects for other deals. If the price comes down and a trade can be made, then it could work out nicely. The offensive struggles are a concern, though, and should not be overlooked when fans want to see an upgrade in the outfield.