Star outfielder Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox is one of the hottest commodities for the impending July 30 trade deadline, and he would be a great addition to any team that is in the running, including the Philadelphia Phillies. However, one thing is for sure: in terms of potential capital, the asking price for such a young, emerging star will be enormous.
There were less Phillies prospects in a prior deal that Bleacher Report suggested, but it would be awful going forward. Top players like Aidan Miller (No. 2) and Justin Crawford (No. 4) that fans won’t want to see transferred were included in the fake deal.
The most recent deal between the Phillies and the White Sox, as suggested by Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter, would give Chicago access to a wealth of talent from the Phillies farm system.
Robert and reliever John Brebbia would go to the Phillies in exchange for pitcher Mick Abel (No. 3), shortstop Starlyn Caba (No. 5), catcher Eduardo Tait (No. 8), and pitcher Samuel Aldegheri (No. 23) going to the White Sox.
Three of the Phillies’ Top 10 prospects and an overachieving star are traded in the trade for Robert, with Brebbia acting more like a throw-in. Although Robert is excellent, is he so good that Philadelphia should dump a sizable portion of their best prospects at once?
After all, Robert has had a difficult season thus far in 2024, missing nearly two months because of a right hip flexor issue. In his 111 at-bats, he has struck out 42 times, resulting in a meager.207 batting average and a.285 on-base percentage when he has played.
Despite this, he has continued to be effective, scoring 18 runs, hitting nine home runs, and collecting 13 RBI in 30 games. Given his career.274 batting average, Robert can be a 30-plus home run and 90-plus RBI hitter when healthy and at peak form. The crucial aspect, though, was that throughout his time with the White Sox thus far in his MLB career, the 26-year-old has struggled to maintain his health.
Would the Phillies give up so many prospects for nothing?
Abel, who is expected to start at first base for the Phillies going forward, hasn’t had a great 2024 campaign thus far. In 59 2/3 innings thrown, he has a dismal 2-7 record, a 6.79 ERA, a 1.83 WHIP, 43 walks, and 54 strikeouts. Nevertheless, if he can resolve his issues, he still has promise.
Regarding Caba, he has demonstrated his exceptional speed and plate discipline while playing for the FCL Phillies this season. With just 35 games played, the 18-year-old has already scored 28 stolen bases, walked 37 times, and struck out just 24 times. Although his hitting and power are still developing, the peripherals have shown promise.
For the FCL Phillies in June, Tait has been explosive. After a recent uptick, he has elevated his season average to a respectable.284 with an.843 OPS, eight doubles, five home runs, and thirty-five RBI in 35 games. He undoubtedly possesses every quality and skill needed to succeed as the Phillies’ catcher in the future.
It could all be worthwhile in the end if Robert turns out to be the Phillies’ lone missing piece in their World Series victory. Let’s say, however, that his persistent injury problems carry on, limiting his performance as we have witnessed this season. The Phillies might not be best served by blowing a large portion of their bright future on an injury-prone star in that scenario, given the high cost involved.
