2 Phillies trade rumors we hope come true, 1 we hope doesn’t happen

We hope the Luis Robert Jr. trade rumor doesn't come true

Luis Robert Jr. has been a lightning rod for Phillies fans during trade season, and it's understandable. On the one hand, the Chicago White Sox outfielder is immensely talented — gifted with exceptional power and speed tools. On the other hand, he's what sports folk label as injury-prone. He has only played 43 games this year after a two-month stint on the IL.

There's no denying the skills. On the season, he's slashing .236/.313/.491 with 11 home runs and 11 stolen bases. It took him a while to get going after the hip flexor injury, and in his last 16 games, the right-handed slugger is slashing .311/.382/.557 with four home runs and eight steals.

He's a former Gold Glover, Silver Slugger and All-Star but his upside is tempered by his inability to stay on the field. While he put up up 38 homers and 20 steals in 145 games in 2023, he played 68 and 98 in the previous two seasons (he did play most of the shortened 2020 as well).

It's a risky move to bring him in, even if he's under team control through 2027. It's also riskier if the Phillies have to give up a big prospect package that includes No. 2 prospect Aidan Miller. That's where the problem lies.

Recent rumors have suggested that Miller would have to be included in a deal for a big name like Robert; one MLB insider even said he's sure Miller will be traded. That's a no-go, or at least it should be for the Phillies. They want to create a dynasty, but that doesn't happen if you trade away a prospect like Miller for a player who might never play more than 100 games a season for your franchise.

If the Phillies can reel in Robert for prospects other than Miller, we could be convinced that it might be a good deal at that point.