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.
Robert would be an excellent addition to this team, providing the Dodgers 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.
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 to Doug McKain on “Dodgers Dougout Live.”
“Outman probably needs a change of scenery. He just needs to play everyday 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] 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.”
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.