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Phillies Expected to Battle With Mets for $50 Million Slugger at Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated Jun 29, 2025 2:30 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies know they need help in the outfield, and have for the better part of the past three seasons. However, it sounds like this trade deadline will finally be the time the Phillies go all in, which is needed.

According to a recent report from Bob Nightengale, the Phillies are keeping close tabs on Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox. However, Nightengale added that the New York Mets are also keeping close tabs on him.

“The likelihood of Robert being traded barring an injury? Just about 100%. The White Sox don’t want him. They don’t need him. And they know they should have traded him during the winter. All they can hope for now is that he starts performing much better after hitting .184 with seven homers, 31 RBI and a .573 OPS this season,” he wrote.

“He has played better of late with a .703 OPS the last two weeks, leads the league with 22 stolen bases and plays a terrific center field. It’s not as if anyone is going to pick up the $20 million options on him this year or next, but the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies are keeping close tabs on him.”

If the Phillies and Mets get into a bidding war, depending on what the Phillies would want to give up, there's no reason for them to lose in a trade package.

The Phillies have a much better farm system, but would they want to empty it for a player of Robert’s caliber? Probably not. He's good, at times, but frankly, he's probably the most overrated player in baseball.

He's hitting just .185 this season with eight home runs and a 65 OPS+.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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