To salvage their season and make a significant playoff push, the Atlanta Braves need to be strategic and inventive. Currently on a five-game losing streak, the team has struggled with scoring runs, and it’s clear that their offensive problems are at the heart of their struggles. This issue is acknowledged by everyone, including Chris Sale, a Cy Young Award candidate in the National League.
General Manager Alex Anthopoulos faces a challenging task. With the trade deadline approaching next Tuesday, there have already been a number of trades, and some potential targets are no longer available. The Braves, in particular, are in urgent need of reinforcements in the outfield, especially with Michael Harris II’s return still uncertain and possibly months away.
According to CBS Sports, one potential solution for the Braves could be acquiring Luis Robert Jr., an outfielder who was an All-Star in 2023. Robert, currently with the Chicago White Sox, could be a game-changer for Atlanta. He had an impressive breakout season last year, and the Braves could control him through 2025, with club options extending through 2027. Despite his injury concerns, which might actually make the cost of acquisition more manageable, Robert’s potential value is substantial.
For the Braves, adding Robert could be a more effective solution compared to acquiring multiple short-term or aging players to address their outfield issues. Even though the White Sox star has missed a significant portion of the season—playing only 50 games due to injuries—he has still delivered strong performance metrics. Over the past month, Robert has posted a .247/.307/.462 slash line, with five home runs, nine stolen bases, 13 RBIs, and 23 hits.
While the price for Robert would be high, acquiring a player of his caliber could be a more strategic investment compared to acquiring several temporary solutions. With the Braves’ farm system already depleted, trading away multiple prospects for short-term fixes might not be the best approach. Instead, trading a similar number of prospects for Robert, who is just 24 years old and still developing, could provide a long-term solution and address an urgent need.
Given that Robert could potentially remain with the Braves until 2027 due to club options, the high asking price for him might be justified. For Anthopoulos and the Braves, making a bold move to acquire Robert could be crucial for salvaging their 2024 season. If this move doesn’t work out, at least Robert would continue to be a part of the team beyond this summer, offering both immediate and future value.
