OF Luis Robert Jr. and RHP Michael Kopech, Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox will be a major player in the seller’s market come the trade deadline. They have many valuable pieces that could be quite attractive to contending teams, including outfielder Luis Robert Jr.
When healthy, Robert can significantly impact the game with his elite combination of power and speed. The former Gold Glove winner can also provide strong defense with his career .989 fielding percentage and 15 DRS.
The Phillies shouldn’t just stop at Robert, as they should work to acquire flamethrower Michael Kopech as well. The former first-round pick has the ability to wipeout opposing hitters with his 100 mph four-seam fastball.
Converted from a starter to a reliever in 2024, Kopech has struggled a bit in his new role, posting a 2-8 record with a 5.05 ERA and 1.39 WHIP. However, that could be in large part due to his team's performance this year (think Jordan Hicks last year with the struggling St. Louis Cardinals). Nevertheless, he definitely has the stuff to dominate with 56 strikeouts in just 41 innings.
With rumors indicating that the White Sox are looking for multiple top 10 prospects in return for Robert, adding in Kopech as well will mean the Phillies need to pay a king’s ransom for the duo.
At least one top pitching prospect (Andrew Painter or Mick Abel), one top positional prospect (Aidan Miller, Justin Crawford or Starlyn Caba) and an additional two to three players from the Phillies’ prospect pool (including another top 10 prospect) could be needed to get things done. If Philadelphia truly believes this is the all-in year for them, they just might need to take that chance.