One of the hottest assets for the impending July 30 trade deadline, Chicago White Sox star outfielder Luis Robert Jr., would undoubtedly be a valuable acquisition to any competing team, including the Phillies. But one thing is certain: the asking price for such a young, rising star will be exorbitant in terms of potential capital.
Bleacher Report previously offered a trade that contained less Phillies prospects but would be devastating for the team’s future. The mock trade included top names that supporters will not want to see gone, such as Aidan Miller (No. 2) and Justin Crawford (No. 4).
The latest suggested Phillies deal for Luis Robert Jr. involves a big prospect haul.
According to Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report, the newest proposed deal between the Phillies and the White Sox would provide Chicago with a large haul of talent from the Phillies’ minor system.
The Phillies would receive Robert and reliever John Brebbia, while the White Sox would receive pitcher Mick Abel (No. 3), shortstop Starlyn Caba (No. 5), catcher Eduardo Tait (No. 8), and pitcher Samuel Aldegheri.
With Brebbia playing more of a throw-in role, the Phillies give up three of their top ten prospects, as well as an overachieving star, in exchange for Robert. Robert is fantastic, but is he so wonderful that Philadelphia should dump a sizable piece of their top prospects in one go?
After all, Robert has struggled thus far in 2024, missing nearly two months of the season owing to a right hip flexor strain. When he has played, he has a.207 batting average and.285 on-base percentage, with 42 strikeouts in only 111 at-bats.
Nonetheless, he has been productive, with 18 runs scored, nine home runs, and 13 RBI in 30 games. Given his.274 career mark, Robert has the potential to smash 30+ home runs and 90+ RBIs while maintaining a respectable batting average. The crucial point was that the 26-year-old has struggled to stay healthy during his time with the White Sox in his MLB career.
Would the Phillies be willing to part with this many prospects?
Abel, who was projected to be a front-line starter for the Phillies in the future, has had a dismal season thus far in 2024. He has a terrible 2-7 record, a 6.79 ERA, a 1.83 WHIP, 43 walks, and 54 strikeouts in 59 2/3 innings. Nonetheless, his potential remains if he can resolve his issues.
Caba has demonstrated exceptional plate discipline and speed with the FCL Phillies this season. In just 35 games, the 18-year-old has 28 stolen bases, 37 walks, and only 24 strikeouts. His power and hitting ability are still developing, but the peripherals have been encouraging.
Tait was unstoppable for the FCL Phillies in June. With his latest outburst, he has raised his season average to.284 with an OPS of.843, 18 runs scored, eight doubles, five home runs, and 35 RBI in 35 games. He clearly possesses all of the characteristics and ability necessary to be the Phillies’ future catcher.
Aldegheri has been annihilating hitters at the High-A level, striking out 83 batters in only 59 innings of work while having a great 2.75 ERA and 0.97 WHIP. In 11 starts for the Jersey Shore BlueClaws.
If Robert turns out to be the missing piece of the Phillies’ World Series title puzzle, it may all be worthwhile in the end. However, if his recurrent injury problems persist, as they have this season, they will have an impact on his total effectiveness. In that case, spending a portion of their promising future on an injury-prone star may not be the best decision the Phillies can make.
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