With the MLB trade deadline less than two months away, rumors have started to swirl and the Philadelphia Phillies have been connected to a few names in their reported quest to find some help in the outfield.
While the lead-up to the July 30 deadline is always crazy, things got especially wacky early this year when, on Monday afternoon, a wild trade report was posted by ESPN’s Buster Olney's account on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Phillies fans sent into frenzy over fake blockbuster trade after Buster Olney hack
Unfortunately for excited Phillies fans, the leaked trade wasn’t real, thanks to a reported hack of the MLB insider’s account.
The erroneous trade in question involved the hot name among Phillies fans right now: Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr.
“The Philadelphia Phillies and Chicago White Sox are finalizing a deal that will send star outfielder Luis Robert Jr to Philadelphia, sources tell ESPN,” the hacked post, which has since been deleted, read.
While that would be exciting for fans of MLB’s best team, there’s absolutely zero truth to the post. Olney posted that he had been hacked, but that wasn’t the end of his woes, as the fake Phillies-White Sox trade was posted mere minutes later.
Phillies have already been connected to Luis Robert Jr.
The Phillies have been connected to Robert Jr. since ESPN's Jeff Passan included him in a list of names he believes the Phillies might pursue as they reportedly look to strengthen their outfield for a postseason run to the World Series.
Fans who were duped by the fake report were understandably excited that the Phillies had landed such a tantalizing talent in Robert Jr. — and so early in the season!
Robert Jr. has an immensely exciting power/speed combination, and when he's healthy, he's a wrecking ball on the field. In 2023, his lone full season, he slashed .264/.315/.542 with 38 home runs and 20 steals. Add to that he has already won a Gold Glove, in his 2020 rookie season, the talent is undeniable.
The cost of adding an elite bat like Robert's will be high. The asking price will likely be too high for some fans, and perhaps the Phillies front office, to stomach, especially with the 26-year-old's injury-riddled history.