Former MLB Exec Loves Fit Between Phillies, Luis Robert Jr. at Trade Deadline

Former MLB Exec Loves Fit Between Phillies, Luis Robert Jr. at Trade Deadline originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Philadelphia Phillies are looking to add to their outfield at this year's MLB trade deadline. With Max Kepler being a letdown, and the drama he stirred when he complained about playing time, it's time ot move on.

But, the outfield market isn't the best. Fortunately, the Phillies do have a couple of options, and for former MLB general manager Jim Bowden of The Athletic, there's an outfielder who he loves the fit of with the Phillies.

"I love the fit for him (Luis Robert Jr.) in Philadelphia," Bowden writes, "New York (Mets) and Cincinnati, and think he would succeed in any of those environments."

While the New York Mets, a heated division rival, also would be a great fit for Robert, the Phillies were the first team mentioned and would be a great fit in Philadephia.

The team needs to add an outfielder, and Robert, despite his struggles this season, would be a great pickup. Through 82 games, he is hitting just .205 with a .631 OPS.

However, over nine games since the start of July, Robert is batting .345 with a 1.027 OPS. His ten hits, eight runs scored, one double, two home runs, and six RBIs over 29 at-bats have led the Chicago White Sox slugger to begin turning things around.

While his season-long numbers aren't the best yet, his recent production is a good sign. He'd be an incredible pickup if he can carry that production to a new team.

For the Phillies, there might not be a better deadline pickup than Robert if he can play at his July level for the rest of the season. As a right-handed hitting outfielder, who can play Gold Glove defense, he's a great fit.

He could take over center field, moving Brandon Marsh to left field, where he's been at his best. Also, Robert could provide much-needed pop in the lineup, whether atop the batting order or in the heart of the lineup.

The 27-year-old would be a great fit with the Phillies, and he's also a lot more available than some of the other top outfield options. This is his last season on his current deal, but he has a $20 million club option for 2026.

Bowden loves the potential fit, and there are plenty of reasons why. He plugs a hole in the outfield, is reasonable to acquire, and would be the right-handed hitting outfielder the Phillies have been searching for.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared.