The Philadelphia Phillies have made it a priority to have a quality starting rotation. With Zach Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Cristopher Sánchez all locked up to lucrative contracts and other mainstays in the rotation being Jesús Luzardo and Ranger Suárez, there isn’t room for top prospects in the Phillies farm system to develop and become MLB-ready.

Aside from Phillies top prospect Andrew Painter, who is rumored to make his MLB debut in 2025, anybody is tradeable in the farm.

In a trade pitch by Athlon Sports, the Phillies could look to move off eighth-ranked prospect Mick Abel and infielder Edmundo Sosa in return for Chicago White Sox righty-slugger Luis Robert Jr.

This would give the 23-year-old Abel a chance to “revitalize” his young prospect status and potentially see big-league innings for the White Sox this season. Abel has had a tough time finding his footing in the Phillies pipeline, and time may be running out for him to turn it around. In 24 starts in AAA Lehigh-Valley, Abel had a 6.46 ERA in 108.2 innings.

Chicago may be looking to move off of Robert Jr’s six-year, $50 million contract which hasn’t panned out thus far for the White Sox.

He is another player who could benefit from a change of scenery, and would likely see more hitting success in a more hitter-friendly ballpark in Philly. Robert Jr. had a down year in 2024 but smashed 38 home runs and 36 doubles in 2023 on his way to an All-Star appearance.

The White Sox could also use more veteran help to ease the pressure off their young prospects/core. The 29-year-old Sosa would be a great fit with his defensive versatility and decent bat. He hit .257 over 249 at-bats in 2024.

This trade fits both sides and if the Phillies are in the market for anything, it’s a strong center-field bat.