The Los Angeles Dodgers are searching for an outfielder as they plan to shift superstar Mookie Betts back to the infield. Compounding their needs, they might lose star outfielder Teoscar Hernández to free agency.
How can they address this need without overspending in free agency?
One solution could be to trade for Chicago White Sox star outfielder Luis Robert Jr. However, such a move wouldn’t be straightforward.
Robert is coming off a challenging 2024 season, which could lower his trade value compared to 2023, when he hit 38 home runs and stole 20 bases.
Here’s a potential trade proposal to bring Robert to the Dodgers:
Los Angeles Dodgers receive:
- OF Luis Robert Jr.
- OF Andrew Benintendi
- $24.5 million (half of Benintendi’s remaining contract)
Chicago White Sox receive:
- SS Alex Freeland (Dodgers’ No. 3 prospect)
- SS Emil Morales (Dodgers’ No. 8 prospect)
This trade serves two purposes for the White Sox: acquiring a strong haul of position-player prospects for Robert and offloading Andrew Benintendi’s burdensome contract. To balance the deal, Chicago would cover half of Benintendi’s remaining $49 million over three years.
The Dodgers, lacking the depth in their farm system to trade for Robert alone, would absorb Benintendi’s contract to reduce the prospect cost.
The prospects heading to Chicago are promising. Alex Freeland, ranked as the Dodgers’ third-best prospect, posted an impressive .829 OPS across three minor league levels last season, showcasing power and a strong glove at shortstop. Emil Morales, ranked eighth, is an exciting 17-year-old who hit .342/.478/.691 in 46 games last season and may be undervalued in current rankings.
For the Dodgers, acquiring Robert would bolster their outfield depth and provide the potential firepower to make another World Series run.
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