The Philadelphia Phillies had a prime opportunity to make a significant impact and strengthen their chances of winning the World Series. By going “all-in” and acquiring star players, they could have added potential game-changers for the final stretch of the season.
However, the Phillies opted for a more cautious strategy, focusing on targeted acquisitions to address specific needs. This approach allowed them to avoid depleting their farm system and preserved their future prospects.
Was this the right decision? Considering how some of their rumored targets have performed, the Phillies may have made the smart choice by avoiding these deals. In this article, we’ll explore three potential trade deadline disasters that the Phillies wisely sidestepped by not going all-in.
3 trade deadline disasters the Phillies luckily avoided by not going ‘all-in’
Luis Robert Jr.
Perhaps one of the hottest targets coming up to the deadline, Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. was certainly on Philadelphia’s radar. Not only was he a proven great power hitter with speed and defense, but he would have filled the Phillies’ primary outfield needs.
He has previously been a finalist for Rookie of the Year and has won the Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards. What wasn’t to admire about the 27-year-old All-Star after a spectacular season of 38 home runs and 80 RBIs in 2023?
However, 2024 was by far Robert’s poorest season of his career. Batting average is low.199 with a.656 OPS and 83 OPS+, injuries included, something doesn’t feel right with him this season.
More importantly, since the trade deadline, Robert’s hitting average has dropped to.077 and his OPS is.180. Since not being traded before the deadline, he has only three hits, two RBI, zero walks, and 17 strikeouts. Given that rumors said that obtaining his services would have required a king’s ransom of prospects, the Phillies clearly missed out in this case.
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