Is Robert a fit for this NL contender?
MLB.com is keeping track of the latest news and rumors surrounding Luis Robert Jr.
July 21: Is Robert an option for Dodgers?
Although they’re due to get back a number of key players from injury in the coming weeks, including Mookie Betts, Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw, the Dodgers are expected to be an aggressive Trade Deadline buyer this year.
On Saturday, ESPN's Alden Gonzalez (subscription required) mentioned a handful of starters who could be available to the Dodgers ahead of the July 30 Deadline -- Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Erick Fedde, Zach Eflin, Yusei Kikuchi -- but he wrote that White Sox left-hander Garrett Crochet "is considered to be at the top of the Dodgers' list, regardless of whether he's a starter or a reliever the rest of the way."
But Crochet isn’t the only White Sox star the Dodgers are reportedly eyeing. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, Los Angeles is also interested in center fielder Luis Robert Jr. and has talked to Chicago about a trade involving not just Crochet but also Robert and possibly closer Michael Kopech as well.
A trade for Robert would add some depth to the Dodgers' top-heavy lineup and shore up the team's outfield. While Teoscar Hernández has posted an .801 OPS this season, Los Angeles has struggled to find consistent outfield production elsewhere. Overall, Dodgers outfielders rank 22nd in MLB with a .674 OPS.
July 13: Phillies looking to add right-handed hitter to outfield mix; is Robert a fit?
After releasing Whit Merrifield on Friday, the Phillies have made it a priority to add an outfielder who bats from the right side, according to a report from Matt Gelb of The Athletic (subscription required).
While The Athletic's Jim Bowden reported Thursday that Philadelphia is specifically looking for a center fielder, Gelb hears that the team has inquired about corner outfielders as well.
Bowden linked the Phillies to Robert, but if he proves to be out of Philadelphia's price range, the club could consider a smaller trade for a veteran on an expiring contract such as Tommy Pham of the White Sox, Kevin Pillar of the Angels or Mark Canha of the Tigers.
Although the Phillies currently sport the best record in baseball and lead the National League in runs per game, they've struggled to get any real production out of their outfielders, with center field being a particular concern. Although both Johan Rojas and Cristian Pache, who have logged the majority of the innings in center, have performed well defensively, Phillies center fielders currently rank 26th in MLB with a combined .605 OPS.