The Philadelphia Phillies are off to a solid start to the 2025 MLB season, sitting one game back of the NL East lead with a 9-6 record through 15 games. Even though Rob Thomson's club is playing well at the moment, the Phillies' record could be even better if certain slumping veterans woke up and did their part.
It isn't a secret that Brandon Marsh has been one of Philadelphia's biggest disappointments to begin the 2025 campaign. The veteran outfielder is only slashing .108/.250/.189 with one home run and four RBIs in 14 games (37 at-bats), opening the door for the Phillies to potentially replace him if he doesn't get back on track.
Having said that, if the Phillies want to replace Marsh sooner rather than later, the perfect option to do so is available.
Phillies Must Pursue White Sox OF Luis Robert Jr. to Replace Brandon Marsh
The Chicago White Sox are one team that could be in selling mode amid their abysmal 4-11 start to the season. It looks like they are already open to moving pieces considering how MLB insider Bob Nightengale reported over the weekend that the White Sox have engaged in trade talks with the L.A. Dodgers regarding OF Luis Robert Jr.
Given how Nightengale added that a potential Dodgers-White Sox swap has been "tabled" for now, the Phillies should use the opportunity to steal Robert out of Chicago for themselves.
Weekend Notebook: Today’s world of MLB free agency: ‘Could be great, could be miserable' https://t.co/42cRINHvgm
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) April 14, 2025
Much like Marsh, Robert is dealing with his own struggles this spring. The former Silver Slugger is only batting .163 with a .495 OPS through his first 14 outings (49 ABs), picking up one home run, four RBIs, six walks, and an American League-leading six stolen bases along the way.
While that performance is far from impressive, Robert could simply need a change in scenery — like a stay in the City of Brotherly Love — to return to form. It was only two seasons ago when the 27-year-old OF tallied career highs in HRs (38), RBIs (80), and walks (30) while slashing .264/.315/.542 en route to his first (and only) MLB All-Star appearance.
Robert was a name that Phillies fans wanted to see added ahead of the 2024 trade deadline, however, the White Sox decided to hold on to the right-handed bat. Now that his name is back in the trade rumor mill, it'd be wise for the Phillies to contract the White Sox in an attempt to right last year's wrongs.
A potential trade would also help the Phillies for more than just this season. Robert is currently under a $15 million contract for 2025 with $20 million team options for the following two seasons, giving Philadelphia some long-term flexibility in the outfield.
With how close the Dodgers and White Sox were to a potential trade, the Phillies must pick up the phone now to call the Windy City. Otherwise, they risk Robert attempting a bounce-back with another MLB franchise.