MLB Insider Suggests Phillies Pursue All-Star in Game-Changing Trade
The Philadelphia Phillies made an unexpected offseason move by signing Max Kepler, formerly of the Minnesota Twins, to a one-year, $10 million deal. Kepler, who has no prior experience in the role, is set to be the team’s everyday left fielder, with Brandon Marsh returning to center field.
The decision sparked skepticism among fans. Like Marsh, Kepler is a left-handed hitter who excels against right-handed pitchers but struggles against lefties. Additionally, Kepler lacks the power-hitting ability the Phillies reportedly aimed to add during the offseason.
Kepler’s 2024 performance raises concerns: a career-low .682 OPS, 91 OPS+, and only eight home runs in 105 games before a knee injury ended his season prematurely in September.
“He’s a bounce-back candidate at this point,” notes Aaron Freeman of The Athletic. “The Phillies are banking on the second-half 2023 version of Kepler, who had a 149 OPS+ in 66 games, rather than his subpar performances from 2023 (91 OPS+), the first half of 2023 (86 OPS+), 2022 (92 OPS+), or 2021 (98 OPS+), all of which were below league average and hampered by injuries.”
A Bold Proposal: Trading for an All-Star Outfielder
Jim Bowden of The Athletic is not convinced by the Kepler acquisition, citing his poor career numbers against left-handed pitching (.655 OPS) and overall slash line of .237/.318/.429. Bowden suggests a more aggressive approach: a transformative trade.
“I think the Phillies should pursue a trade with the Chicago White Sox for Luis Robert Jr.,” Bowden writes. “An outfield featuring Nick Castellanos in right, Robert in center, and Brandon Marsh in left would be formidable. Kepler and Johan Rojas could then serve as valuable backup outfielders and defensive specialists.”
Robert, a 2023 All-Star, hit 38 home runs that season but has dealt with injuries in three of his five years with Chicago. His numbers dipped significantly in 2023, hitting just .223/.278/.379 with 14 home runs and an 87 OPS+.
The White Sox, reeling from a franchise-record 121 losses and already having traded ace Garrett Crochet, might be open to dealing Robert. However, his contract complicates matters: Robert is owed $15 million for 2025, with $20 million club options for 2026 and 2027.
The Phillies face financial hurdles as well. With an estimated luxury tax payroll of $307.6 million for 2025, the team is already over the $301 million threshold. Any additional salary would result in a steep 110% tax on every dollar above the limit.
