Phillies Have a Prime Opportunity to Replace Struggling Veteran with a Former All-Star
The Philadelphia Phillies have started the 2025 season strong, posting a 9–6 record and trailing the NL East lead by just one game. While the team has been competitive early on, their performance could be even better if some underperforming veterans stepped up—most notably, outfielder Brandon Marsh.
Marsh has struggled significantly through the first few weeks of the season, hitting just .108 with one home run and four RBIs across 14 games (37 at-bats). If his slump continues, the Phillies may need to consider alternative options in the outfield.
One potential replacement already being mentioned is Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. The White Sox have stumbled to a 4–11 start and are reportedly open to trading some of their players. According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, Chicago has already had discussions with the Los Angeles Dodgers about Robert, although those talks have currently stalled.
This could be the perfect opportunity for Philadelphia to step in. While Robert is also off to a slow start—batting .163 with one home run and four RBIs—he has six stolen bases and still possesses considerable upside. Just two seasons ago, he hit 38 home runs, drove in 80 runs, and posted a .264/.315/.542 line en route to an All-Star appearance.
Philadelphia had previously shown interest in Robert before the 2024 trade deadline, but a deal didn’t come together. Now that he’s again mentioned in trade rumors, the Phillies may want to revisit the idea to avoid missing out a second time.
Acquiring Robert would not only address their immediate outfield concerns but could also offer long-term value. He’s under contract for $15 million in 2025, with team options worth $20 million each for 2026 and 2027—providing future roster flexibility.
If Philadelphia is serious about upgrading their lineup and keeping pace in the division, they may want to act quickly—before another team gives Robert the change of scenery he may need to bounce back.
