The San Diego Padres join a select class of MLB teams in their hunt for a new outfielder as the trade deadline looms near. The 2026 season has been a difficult one for teams seeking to bolster their outfilder options, with limited high-calibre picks available. A scarcity of top-tier talent and the reluctance of certain teams to release their players for trade characterises the present outfield market. Notwithstanding these market conditions, the Padres find their name once more attached to a potential outfielder acquisition.
This particular outfielder, with repeated associations to the Padres throughout the season, was on everyone’s radar not too long ago. He was an unquestionable powerhouse on the field and a much-sought-after trade asset. However, with a batting average at the start of the year sliding down to a meagre .190, the allure of Chicago White Sox’s batter, Luis Robert Jr., has significantly faded.
The Padres persist in their search for a suitable left fielder. The selection of Robert may not represent the optimal choice, but the possibility of hidden potentials cannot be ruled out. There’s an inherent risk involved but the transformation that could potentially be triggered in Robert by a relocation to San Diego can be worthwhile. The Padres are pushing for a playoff berth, setting the stage for Robert to perhaps redisplay his earlier prowess, which is a stark contrast to the current situation of the White Sox.
A relocation could be the boost Robert needs to return to his once-stellar performances. In 2023, he had demonstrated flashes of exceptional talent, reminding the baseball world of his erstwhile supremacy. His statistics from that season were stellar and signaled the arrival of a promising talent in the sport.
During the 2023 season, Robert’s scoring record was truly remarkable. In 145 games, he notched a WAR rating of 5.3. His record stood at an impressive 144 hits, 90 runs, 36 doubles, a triple, and 80 RBIs. Additionally, he successfully smashed an astonishing 38 home runs. His batting performance earned him a spot on the All-Star roster, along with participation in the Home Run Derby.
Often in the spotlight in 2023, Robert’s impact was not only limited to the Home Run Derby. He received MVP votes, his tally placing him at a commendable 12th position. Moreover, his superlative sporting performance was recognised with a Silver Slugger award. This was another feather in his cap in a year filled with stellar moments.
Robert’s awards and accolades did not just begin in 2023. His debut season in 2020 was also noteworthy. His rookie year witnessed him finishing as the runner-up for the Rookie of the Year and also winning a Gold Glove award. His solid performance early on in his career set the stage for all that was to follow.
His batting statistics over his career corroborate his abilities. Robert had recorded an OPS of .738 in his debut season. In the following year, the figure rose to .946 and then declined slightly to .746 in the third year. However, during his remarkable 2023 season, his OPS bounced back to .857.
Robert’s fortunes, however, have taken a downward turn post his glorious 2023 season. In the subsequent years of 2024 and 2025, Robert experienced a dramatic slump in his batting performance. His OPS dipped to .657 in 2024 and further dipped to .599 in 2025. A significant decrease that mirrored the fading of the initially bright spark of brilliance.
The dismal performances in the recent past have taken a toll on his career. The harsh reality of his floundering stats resulted in the once star player being declared as the Least Valuable Player (LVP). Robert’s career has taken an undeniably steep nosedive, raising questions over his future prospects.
Despite his performance dip, a trade involving Robert would potentially be economical for the Padres. Given Robert’s recent struggles, the White Sox don’t have significant bargaining power, which allows for a more cost-effective deal. As Robert’s $20 million option is unlikely to get picked up post-season, any trade for him would be seen as a win for the White Sox.
The Padres might still consider going ahead with the deal, giving them the chance to pull Robert out of his slump. Acquiring Robert in hopes of igniting his form from 2023 could be their strategic move. However, this plan feeds into the inherent uncertainty of player performance post-trade.
The considerable risk involves reviving a player who seems to have hit a rough patch in his career. If the Padres decide to go down this route, they have to be prepared to bear the outcomes. It could lead to a potential victory as much as it might result in a failure.