The San Diego Padres are linked to MLB insiders' 'least valuable player' at the trade deadline.
The San Diego Padres are one of a few teams looking to add an outfielder at the MLB trade deadline. Unfortunately, there aren't many great options this season for outfield additions.
Regardless of whether teams are being stingy or not, the top outfield options are either not great or unlikely to be moved. The Padres were, once again, linked by MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic to an outfielder who fits the former description.
That player has been linked to the Padres a few times this season and was a former hot commodity just a year ago. But now, after starting the year with a .190 batting average, Chicago White Sox slugger Luis Robert Jr. is no longer as appealing a trade target.
"Perhaps a team such as the San Diego Padres would take Robert if the White Sox included a portion of his remaining salary," Rosenthal writes, "Something the team has indicated a willingness to do."
San Diego needs a new left fielder, and while Robert isn't the best option, there could be some upside. The Padres are contending for a postseason spot, unlike the White Sox. There's a chance a change-of-scenery could help rekindle the greatness Robert showed in 2023.
Two years ago, Robert showcased one of the best talents in baseball. He had a 5.3 WAR season in 145 games in 2023. He had 144 hits, 90 runs scored, 36 doubles, one triple, 80 RBIs, and an impressive 38 home runs.
MORE: Padres' A.J. Preller predicted to 'aim high' at MLB trade deadline
He was named an All-Star, participated in the Home Run Derby, got MVP votes, which placed him 12th, and also earned a Silver Slugger award.
In his rookie season in 2020, he was the Rookie of the Year runner-up and won a Gold Glove award. Robert had a .738 OPS in his rookie season, a .946 OPS in year two, a .746 OPS in year three, and during his All-Star 2023 season, his OPS was .857.
But, in the two years since, in 2024 and 2025, Robert has a .657 and .599 OPS, respectively. It's a massive drop-off, and one of the main reasons why Robert was named Jayson Stark of The Athletic's LVP (Least Valuable Player).
Fortunately, trading for Robert won't cost a lot of assets, as the White Sox have very little leverage in a deal, as any return for Robert, who won't have his $20 million option picked up after the season, would be a solid return for the White Sox.
San Diego could still look to swing a deal for him, in the hopes he could get back to his 2023 self. But it's a major risk, and despite Rosenthal linking the Padres to Robert, such a deal could be something A.J. Preller and the Padres avoid.
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