The Los Angeles Dodgers’ center field situation is evolving, and the team is evaluating its options. Currently, second-year MLB player Andy Pages is the regular starter, but his inconsistent performance, both offensively and defensively, has prompted the Dodgers to consider alternative solutions.
One potential solution involves a trade with the Chicago White Sox for superstar outfielder Luis Robert Jr. It was reported last weekend by Bob Nightengale of USA Today that the Los Angeles Dodgers were interested in making a deal with the Chicago White Sox for superstar outfielder Luis Robert Jr. However, according to Nightengale, those talks stalled, and nothing came of it for now.
Chicago White Sox Looking To Trade Luis Robert Jr. This Year
But according to Nightengale, the Sox are still actively looking to move Robert, “I do (think he’ll get traded this year),” Nightengale said on Dodgers Dougout Live. “He’s got two options years at $20 million a piece. They think they can trade him easily. There is a way to get top value for him, they need him to stay healthy.”
Robert would be an excellent addition to the Dodgers, providing them with flexibility in the infield and outfield. He would be their long-term center fielder, and if he plays as well as many are hoping for, he’d have an opportunity to be a star one day.
Los Angeles Dodgers Trade Chip
While those talks have stalled for now, Nightengale has now reported that the White Sox are intrigued by James Outman, a possible trade chip in a deal with the White Sox for Robert. “I think that’s why they’re so intrigued by James Outman,” Nightengale said on an earlier episode of “Dodgers Dougout Live.”
If the White Sox were to trade Outman for Robert right now, the Dodgers would have a deal done. The issue, however, is that the White Sox are looking for a massive haul in return. Whether that’s right or not remains to be seen, as Robert has been brutal to start the season, hitting .154. That’s concerning, but if he turns it around, he could be the ideal piece for this Dodgers squad.
Nightengale suggests that the White Sox are intrigued by James Outman, a possible trade chip in a deal with the White Sox for Robert. “Outman probably needs a change of scenery. He just needs to play every day, so who knows? Maybe he could be that type of player in Chicago or somewhere else. And I’m sure they want something more from the [Dodgers], and they’re going to ask for that from all 30 teams until they get what they want. So they just need [Luis Robert] to stay healthy and start performing. They know if he performs well over say a month period, then it’ll be a lot easier to trade him.”
A comparison of current offensive statistics reveals that Robert’s .151/.267/.260 slash line is currently lower than Pages’ .179/.286/.328. However, Robert is recognized as a superior defender and has demonstrated All-Star caliber potential throughout his career.