At the trade deadline, the Philadelphia Phillies explored multiple outfield options before ultimately acquiring Harrison Bader from the Minnesota Twins. Among the possibilities was Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr., a player long linked to trade rumors. While Robert has been productive since the deadline, the Phillies likely won’t regret passing on him.
Robert has hit .317 with a .756 OPS, one homer, three RBIs, and five stolen bases in 11 games since July 30. Since returning from the injured list on July 8, he’s posted a .318 average with an .861 OPS, four homers, 14 RBIs, and nine steals. Despite this hot streak, his overall 2025 numbers sit at a .220 average with 12 home runs, 46 RBIs, and 31 steals.
The Phillies could have used his defensive skills in center field and his potential for power, but Robert’s recent production comes in a small sample size. Since his 2023 All-Star campaign, his offensive output has dropped sharply from an .857 OPS in 2023 to .657 in 2024 and .656 this year. That decline, combined with the White Sox’s high asking price and his two $20 million club options for 2026 and 2027, made him a risky acquisition.
Once seen as a rising star with raw power and elite athleticism, Robert is now another year older, still inconsistent at the plate, and locked into a costly contract. While his recent play has been strong, it doesn’t outweigh the longer trend of underperformance, making the Phillies’ decision to look elsewhere appear wise.
