The 2025 MLB trade deadline is not until July 31, but that won’t stop the Los Angeles Dodgers from potentially looking to upgrade their roster with any chance they get.
There aren’t many spots on the team where they could easily or realistically improve, but they do have areas that would benefit from being addressed.
The most logical spot to upgrade is their final starting spot among the position players, which would be second base or center field, depending on where Tommy Edman plays.
So far, that role has been filled by Andy Pages primarily, with Miguel Rojas mixing in some as well, but both have been closer to providing negative value in the early stages of the season.
As the Dodgers potentially look to upgrade there, one name that has constantly been connected to them is Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers and White Sox discussed a Robert trade that would have sent James Outman and a prospect to Chicago, but those talks have currently been paused:
The Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers have tabled trade discussions that would send center fielder Luis Robert Jr. to the Dodgers for Triple-A outfielder James Outman and a front-line prospect.
Robert had a poor 2024 season and his 2025 has been off to an even worse start. Over that stretch, he’s hitting just .217/.275/.364 with 15 home runs, 54 runs scored, 39 RBIS and 29 stolen bases across 114 games.
However, from 2021-2023, Robert was among the premier talents in the sport as he hit .287/.331/.511 with 63 home runs, 186 runs scored, 179 RBIs and 37 stolen bases, all while playing elite defense and accumulating 10.6 WAR in 311 games.
If the Dodgers feel a change of scenery would benefit him or see something they can fix with his swing, Robert has the talent to become one of the most talented players on the roster.
From a mental side, Robert has been involved in trade rumors for multiple years now, and that surely takes a toll on a player, combined with the White Sox’s historic losing last season, he may just not be fully motivated to play for them.
Still, there’s no guarantee Robert can get back on track and the Dodgers would be taking a risk if they acquired him.
Another concern is Robert has dealt with injury often in his career. He’s played in more than 100 games just once since the 2021 season, but the Dodgers have never backed away from adding talent due to injury history.
The upside is there with Robert if they end up making a trade later, but it the meantime, it’s more likely the Dodgers are just exploring options and doing their due diligence.
Luis Robert Jr. contract
Robert is under team control for three more seasons due to his contract extension that he previously signed. He is making $15 million this season, and he has club options for the next two years at $20 million each.
If both club options are picked up, Robert would hit free agency in 2028 at age 30. If the club declines his option in either season, there is a $2 million buyout.
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
