Bryce Harper knows the Philadelphia Phillies need to tighten up their defense heading into what’s expected to be another postseason run. And according to a recent report, the team has been linked as a possible landing spot for a player who, despite injury setbacks, remains a strong trade candidate.
The player in question currently plays for the Chicago White Sox—a team once again having a rough season. With the playoffs far out of reach, the White Sox are expected to be sellers at the trade deadline, and several of their players could be on the move.
Adding another bat to the lineup could take some of the pressure off Harper, who’s currently hitting .267—fifth-best on the team behind Castellanos, Edmundo Sosa, and J.T. Realmuto, among other Phillies.
Who might be headed to Philadelphia?
According to a new article by Ken Rosenthal in The Athletic, one name emerging as a potential fit for the Phillies is center fielder Luis Robert Jr. The other team reportedly in the mix: the San Diego Padres.
“Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. was not in the lineup for the second time in three games on Friday night due to a tight groin, but the expectation that he will be traded (Philadelphia? San Diego?) is rising,” Rosenthal reported.
Robert Jr. has spent six seasons with the White Sox. This year, injuries have limited him to just 84 games so far, but his experience in center field could offer valuable support to the Phillies’ defense. His career batting average sits at .259, though it’s been trending downward since 2021: from .338 to .284, then .264, and currently .224.