Dodgers Top Trade Target May Not Be Available After All

The Los Angeles Dodgers have reportedly been eying two potential trade deadline acquisitions from the Chicago White Sox. One of them might not be available after all.

Outfielder Luis Robert Jr. has been on the Dodgers’ radar for quite some time despite his struggles this season. Major League Baseball insider Jon Heyman believes that the Dodgers are one of two teams “most likely” to bring in Robert at the deadline.

However, Bob Nightengale of USA Today thinks the White Sox might end up hanging on to him.

“The White Sox have had several teams also contact them about center fielder Luis Robert Jr., but with his struggles, they are considering hanging onto him into at least the winter since he’s under control through 2027,” he wrote.

Nightengale also joined Dodgers Nation’s Doug McKain to detail Robert and the specific reasons why he could end up staying put. Besides his .228 average through 34 games, Robert has steadily declined since 2021.

“They could (trade for him),” Nightengale told McKain about the Dodgers potentially trading for Robert. “I mean the thing about Robert Jr. is he’s been a big disappointment. I mean, always been hurt. You got three more years of control, I think $15 million next year, and then 20 and 20. That’s a lot of money for a guy who has underachieved, grossly underachieved. So I think the White Sox may hang onto him. Just I’m not sure they’re gonna get what they want for the guy. Last thing the Dodgers want is to trade some prospects for him, then he’s breaking down like he’s been breaking down for the White Sox. So he’s a big name, but he hasn’t lived up to the potential, not even close.”

Robert’s best season was in 2021. He finished that season with a .338 batting average in 68 games but he has only played in 100 games or more once and that was last year when he played in 145. He batted .264 with 38 home runs and 80 RBIs.

Photo Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel yet? Subscribe and hit that notification bell to stay up to date on all the latest Dodgers news, rumors, interviews, live streams, and more!