The Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves are among baseball’s most hated rivals. These two teams are constantly competing with one another, with the Braves having had the upper hand for the better part of the last decade.
However, 2024 has been different. The Phillies have controlled the season from the start, while the Braves have struggled with injuries and fallen behind slightly. These two teams are poised to battle in all aspects of the game down the stretch, especially at the trade deadline.
(For additional news and rumours, listen to MLB Insider Robert Murray’s work on The Baseball Insiders podcast and join the Discord channel to receive the inside scoop as the MLB trade deadline approaches on July 30.)
Braves and Phillies are likely to duel over similar trade targets, including Luis Robert.
The Braves and Phillies have similar weaknesses in their rosters. Both teams could use another starting pitcher, with the Braves needing one slightly more. Both teams could use bullpen help, but the Phillies needed it more urgently, which is why they traded for Carlos Estevez. And both NL East teams require an impact outfielder who can come in and cause havoc.
That is where the battle for the trade deadline has come from.
For much of the year, the Phillies were considered the favourites to sign Luis Robert Jr., the Chicago White Sox’s standout outfielder. Robert is one of the best players being mentioned around the deadline, and Chicago will undoubtedly receive a slew of prospects in return. But Philadelphia eventually distanced itself from these rumours, most notably after acquiring Austin Hays from the Baltimore Orioles.
Atlanta is gathering traction in a possible trade for the White Sox outfielder. That would be a complete nightmare scenario for the Phillies. Robert could fill the void created by Ronald Acuña Jr.’s season-ending injury.
Robert, 26, is slicing.In only 200 at bats, he batted 210/.282/.440, with 12 home runs and 13 stolen bases. He provides strong base running, above-average defence, and some massive home homers. The young star outfielder has the potential to hit 40 home runs if he can stay healthy while remaining under team control for several years.
If the Phillies sit back and watch the Braves rush in and acquire their top trade target, they may come to regret it in the coming years. These rumours may and should press the Phillies’ hand in the Robert trade market.
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