Phillies Pursuing All-Star Outfielder Ahead of Trade Deadline

The MLB trade deadline is just over a month away and the Philadelphia Phillies continue to be one of the best clubs in the Majors. As of June 11, the Phillies lead the National League with an astounding 45-20 record while holding the third-best 2024 World Series odds (+600) on FanDuel Sportsbook.

But as good as the Phillies are, there's always room to get better. Fortunately, the lead-up to the trade deadline should provide them with a variety of upgrade options, ranging from depth targets to potential game-changing all-stars.

When it comes to the latter category, one MLB insider suggests that the Phillies should target a specific elite outfielder if they want to bring home another championship this season.

Phillies Trade Rumors: Should Philadelphia Target Luis Robert Jr?

On Tuesday, The Athletic's Jim Bowden wrote about the various MLB trade deadline rumors he's heard leading up to the end of July. Bowden mentions that the Phillies have been "looking to improve their overall outfield" and that the Chicago White Sox's Luis Robert Jr. is one of their top targets.

With the White Sox sitting at the bottom of the MLB standings, a firesale is likely on the way in the near future. They have several pieces that they'll look to move for future assets, including Robert, who's only 26 years old and under team control through 2027.

Robert is a five-year veteran who was among the Majors' best players in 2023. Last year was a career performance for the Cuban outfielder has he racked up 38 home runs, 80 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases while slashing .264/.325/.542 across 145 games with the White Sox. Not only was he named an MLB All-Star for the first time, be he also received Gold Glove and Silver Slugger honors.

Unfortunately, the 2024 season hasn't been as nearly kind to Robert. He's been limited to just 13 games due to injury and hasn't made the most of his opportunities, batting .192 with a .236 on-base percentage. Having said that, he does have five HRs and eight RBIs during that stretch, illustrating that he still has difference-making potential.

Bowden also indicated that the Phillies would also try to acquire Tommy Pham from the White Sox. Pham is an experienced outfielder with 133 HRs and 443 RBIs in 1,038 career games. Although he's well past his prime at this point, the 36-year-old could still be a solid depth option in the playoffs and has three round-trippers with 12 RBIs in 33 games this season.

With the outfield being one of the team's weaker areas, it's hard not to like the idea of the Phillies negotiating with the White Sox to land Robert and Pham. As long as the price is right, it's the type of move that could be the catalyst to the Phils bringing home a third World Series title to the City of Brotherly Love.

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