Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Phillies Get Good News on Potential Trade For $50 Million Slugger

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 3:00 PM ET

One of the Philadelphia Phillies' top priorities at the MLB trade deadline is adding another outfielder, and specifically, a right-handed hitting one. Fortunately, there is one player that is a perfect fit for the Phillies, and after a new report, a trade seems more likely.

According to an article from Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the Chicago White Sox are open to negotiating with a potential trade partner in a deal for Luis Robert Jr.

"The Chicago White Sox recognize they are in no position to impose the same conditions on teams that express interest in their two most expensive players," Rosenthal and Sammon write. "Outfielders Andrew Benintendi and Luis Robert Jr. In both cases, according to sources briefed on the team's plans, the White Sox are open to including cash in trades."

The conditions that Rosenthal and Sammon refer to are what the Boston Red Sox and the San Francisco Giants agreed to, where the team that gets the player takes on all of the salary. For the White Sox, they are willing to eat some of the salary, instead of looking for a stronger return.

The $50 million slugger is atop the Phillies' list of trade targets, and this update is a great sign he'll be available at the deadline. Not only will he be available, though, but he's also becoming a much more realistic option for the team, too.

Being able to acquire Robert without taking on all of his contract would be a huge boost to the Phillies' chances of landing the slugger. Robert is 27 years old and has stolen 21 bases in 2025. While his .192 average is low, he has a history of being a strong hitter.

In 2023, Robert hit 38 home runs and 36 doubles, finishing the year with a .857 OPS. He'd be a much-needed power bat in the lineup, and paired with his above-average defense in center, could be a great addition to the club.

And with this update, the chances of landing Robert look a lot better. The Phillies have the prospects and the ammo, but will need to manipulate money to make a trade work.

Philadelphia has been looking for center field help for a while now, and while Brandon Marsh and Johan Rojas haven't panned out, Robert could be the solution.

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

More must-reads: