Phillies linked to struggling former All-Star ahead of trade deadline

With the Major League Baseball All-Star break in full swing, the Philadelphia Phillies hold a narrow lead in their division.

As the trade deadline quickly approaches, the Phillies may look to trade to shore up their offense as they strive to make a deep playoff run. One of Philadelphia's greatest areas of need moving forward is getting more offense out of their outfielders. Luckily for them, some good options should be available.

One player that the Phillies have been linked to is Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr., according to Bleacher Report's Taylyn Hadley.

"The Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and New York Mets are among the teams considered strong fits for Robert Jr., as eight clubs have reportedly checked in on the 27-year-old’s availability, per Heyman," Hadley wrote. "Moving him would help the White Sox, who face a looming $20 million club option, bring in young talent as they build for the future."

"He has been hot in trade talks for a while now, with the most unproductive offensive season of his career by far. With the White Sox struggling, they may look to see what they can get for him rather than potentially lose for nothing this offseason. He’s making $15 million this year, with about $5 million left to be paid by the trade deadline. His deal also includes a $2 million buyout on a $20 million team option for 2026."

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Robert Jr. is a one-time All-Star who has struggled at the plate since being named an All-Star in 2023. The 27-year-old outfielder is not playing particularly well, but has shown flashes of potential. With two seasons left under team control, both of which have club options available, trading for the struggling player may inject more power into the Phillies' lineup for the second half of the season.

More MLB: Braves reportedly shopping multiple veterans at trade deadline