After a solid start to the season, the San Diego Padres sit just two games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers for the National League West division lead. For the Padres, while things are going well from top to bottom on the roster, there is one clear issue that needs to be resolved by the MLB trade deadline: left field.
With Jason Heyward going down with an injury, and their rotation of Tyler Wade, Brandon Lockridge, Jose Iglesias, and Gavin Sheets not panning out, there is a clear hole in left. Fortunately, there are plenty of outfielders available at the trade deadline, including a player who’s been rumored to be on the trade block for years now.
In an article from Armando Dueñas of The Sporting Tribune, the Padres could target Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr.
“The Padres would probably like to put a right-handed power bat between Jackson Merrill and Gavin Sheets in the very day lineup.” Dueñas writes. “Acquiring a player who, at 27 years old, could revert to MVP form is quite tantalizing.”
Robert, at the height of his game, was thought of as one of the best outfielders in baseball. But, but after a poor start to the 2025 season, there is significantly less interest in him this trade deadline.
But, that’s a bit of good news for the Padres, as it means the White Sox center fielder, who could slide over to left, would be available for less than he normally would go for. There’s a reason he’s going to be cheaper, however, as his 2025 production has been poor.
Through the first 61 games of the season for Robert, he has totaled just 40 hits, 25 runs, seven doubles, six home runs, and 26 RBIs. Robert has struck out 76 times compared to 25 walks. Overall, his slash line of .187/.273/.304 culminates in a career-low .576 OPS.
Offensively, Robert has been one of the worst hitters in baseball. But, with his 2023 season, where he hit 38 home runs and made the All-Star team in mind, it’s hard to completely close the door on a potential Robert to San Diego trade.
The Padres, with a dire need in the outfield, are predicted to be interested in the White Sox slugger. Robert signed a $50 million contract, which carries him through the 2025 season. But, he does have two $20 million club options in 2026 and 2027.
If the Padres do acquire him, they could either decide to let him walk after one year or bring him back at $20 million if his production in his brief Padres stint was encouraging. Adding someone of Roberts’ talent is a tantalizing idea, and if it works out, it could be a massive steal for the Padres.
