The Atlanta Braves outfield needs to find a long-term answer, not just until Jurickson Profar's suspension is up, but for a potential postseason run. Yes, Alex Verdugo's hot start is exciting, however, there is still reason to believe the Braves will explore the trade market. Leading to the inevitable suggestion of Luis Robert Jr.
Chicago's outfielder has been the source of consistent offseason and trade deadline speculation. Whether or not this is the time the White Sox finally pull the trigger on a deal is up for debate. It would be a decision to sell at Robert's lowest point of value, considering the recent results and current contract situation. Still, it is a possible fit the Braves should check in on over the next weeks of the season.
Luis Robert Jr. Could Be the Missing Piece in Braves Lineup
The majority of the team's attention is expected to be on fixing a shaky bullpen. Profar's poor judgment made sure Atlanta has lineup concerns to address. Adding old friend Eddie Rosario and Alex Verdugo have been the team's early answers. Bryan De La Cruz is now in New York, and Jarred Kelenic has been demoted to Gwinnett. This led to the team starting surprise contributor Eli White.
This trio of underwhelming options invites regression and demands that the Braves add to the position. Verdugo is the safest bet of the three, still leaving room for Robert Jr. or another surprise impact addition. Atlanta's only downside to adding the slugger is the power-heavy low-average approach their lineup already has a concerning tendency toward.
Adding another piece who lives and dies by the longball unquestionably increases Atlanta's ceiling, but it could be a mistake with the number of potential fits. Robert only had one great season. Two years ago, the outfielder slugged 38 home runs and became a surprise part of Chicago's core. Injuries and the awful lineup around Robert have prevented a repeat of this performance.
Still, it is an enticing fit that the Braves should cautiously explore as they attempt to find an answer to replace Profar. This isn't the first time Robert has been a potential Atlanta target, with the outfielder having been a speculated fit ahead of the 2024 trade deadline as well.
With this in mind, it is unquestionably a situation the Braves are well-aware of and will continue to monitor closely as they evaluate the team's current underwhelming options.