The Philadelphia Phillies are in the midst of a championship window, but with each passing year, that window gradually shrinks.
After making it to the 2022 World Series and falling to the Houston Astros, the Phillies have made the National League playoffs in the last two seasons, only to fall short of reaching the Fall Classic.
The core players of the team, including Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto, Nick Castellanos, and Trea Turner, are all over 30, signaling that time is ticking.
While the window is still open, the Phillies may need to consider making a trade to bolster their roster, especially in the outfield, to stay competitive.
They could wait until the trade deadline, but a move now for Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. might be a smart decision.
Robert, a potential trade target, could become even more appealing as the deadline approaches, especially if the White Sox continue to struggle. Chicago was the worst team in baseball last season, finishing with a 41-121 record and setting a Major League record for losses.
Since Robert will be a free agent after this season, the White Sox will likely hold out for the best possible return for the 27-year-old slugger, who will turn 28 during the campaign.
In his five seasons, Robert has posted an impressive .267/.316/.474/.790 slash line with 88 home runs and 245 RBIs. He finished second in AL Rookie of the Year voting in 2020, earned a Gold Glove, made the 2023 AL All-Star team, finished 12th in AL MVP voting, and won a Silver Slugger Award. He also set a career-high 38 home runs last season.
Robert could be a great fit for the Phillies
Philadelphia needs more power in the outfield. Castellanos is the only consistent power hitter, hitting 23 or more home runs in each of the last two seasons, but he is also a defensive liability. Robert’s Gold Glove-caliber defense would strengthen the entire outfield.
Max Kepler, who was brought in to add power, has had inconsistent seasons, alternating between hitting 20-plus home runs and failing to reach 10 in the past four years.
Robert, on the other hand, has been more steady.
Acquiring him could be an audition for both the Phillies and the star slugger, as Robert could enter free agency after the season.
To make room for him, the Phillies might have to trade one of their outfielders, likely Brandon Marsh, who could bring value with his ability to play multiple positions. Johan Rojas’ playing time in center field could also be affected.
However, it might be worth the sacrifice to have a motivated Robert in center field for a full season as the Phillies chase that elusive World Series title.