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Toronto Blue Jays top trade target does not think he will be moved due to disappointing season
Photo credit: Blue Jay Hunter
Although the Toronto Blue Jays have been working their way back into the American League playoff race, it's evident they still need another powerful hitter in the lineup.
The trade deadline presents one of the best opportunities to add that kind of offensive boost, with several big bats likely to be on the market.
Blue Jays trade target speaks candidly about his disappointing season.
Edward Eng from Jays Journal writes that heading into the season, outfielder Luis Robert Jr., currently with the struggling Chicago White Sox, was widely seen as one of the top trade candidates likely to hit the market.
However, Robert Jr. is in the midst of arguably the worst season of his career, and based on recent remarks to Kyle Williams of the Chicago Sun-Times, he seems fully aware that his early struggles are taking a toll on his trade value.
«Right now, as my season is going, I don't think anybody is going to take a chance on me." -Robert Jr.
The 27-year-old has struggled at the plate this season, batting just .180 over 47 games with four doubles, five home runs, and 18RBI's.
Eng also writes that Robert Jr. is in the final year of the six-year, $50 million deal he signed before ever playing a game in the majors, and his name has consistently surfaced in trade rumours over the past three seasons as the White Sox continue to struggle.
"Robert burst onto the scene in 2020 when he finished as the runner-up for the American League Rookie of the year race along with winning a Gold Glove, and he had his best season in 2023 when he was an All-Star and won a Silver Slugger." -Eng
Still, if Robert Jr. can break out of his slump and return to his 2023 form, when he hit .264 with 38 home runs and 80 RBI's, he could be exactly the kind of difference-maker the Blue Jays are looking for.
"The White Sox will still probably have a high asking price for Robert, and the Blue Jays have gotten some strong play from their outfield as of late, and adding Robert would displace one of those players." -Eng
We'll see how things shake out over the next couple weeks.
Previously on Blue Jays Insider
| POLL | ||
MAI 28 | 604 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays top trade target does not think he will be moved due to disappointing season Do you think the Blue Jays should pursue White Sox's Luis Robert Jr. in a potential trade? | ||
| yes | 350 | 57.9 % |
| no | 254 | 42.1 % |
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