Phillies Get Bad Yankees News on Outfielder Luis Robert Jr. Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Philadelphia Phillies are expected to be one of the many teams interested in trading for Luis Robert Jr.
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Robert, one of the most overrated players in Major League Baseball, might just need a change of scenery. There have been parts throughout his career where he’s been very good, including 2023 when he posted a 5.3 WAR, earned his only All-Star nod in his six-year career, and hit 38 home runs. With a 130 OPS+ that season, he was much better than he’s ever been.
On top of the nagging injuries he’s continued to deal with, appearing in more than 100 games just once in his six-year career, Robert hasn’t done much offensively.
He’s hitting .185 with just six home runs, 26 RBIs, and has struck out 75 times in 211 at-bats. His 62 OPS+ is laughable for a player who many consider to be among the All-Star candidates around this league.
Chicago White Sox center fielder Luis Robert Jr. (88) watches his two-run home run during the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Rate Field.Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Still, there’s reason to believe that the Phillies should take a chance on him if they have the opportunity to. It’s possible that it won’t work out, but he’s much better than most of the other players available.
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Despite that, many expect other teams around the league to be interested in him, adding some questions about the situation. That includes MLB insider Francys Romero, who believes the New York Yankees could be interested.
“Luis Robert Jr. continues to draw attention as a potential trade piece,” Romero said. “Teams like the Yankees, [Seattle] Mariners, and [Philadelphia] Phillies are expected to be in the conversation ahead of the trade deadline, according to industry sources.”
The Phillies have a better farm system than the Yankees, so if they want Robert, they should be able to land him.
However, if the Phillies aren’t willing to move on from any of their top prospects, it’s possible he ends up in New York.
Related: Phillies’ Need to Upgrade Position Deemed ‘Most Urgent’ in Baseball
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.