The Atlanta Braves' starting outfield looks entirely different than how the team started the 2025 season. Already, Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz have been kicked to the curb after each had a frustrating start to the year. This opened up the chance for the surprise emergence of Eli White and Alex Verdugo. Both players have quickly carved out a starting role with Stuart Fairchild as the defensive placement.
Still, there is reason to wonder if the Braves could look to add to the position ahead of this year's MLB trade deadline. One long speculated fit for Atlanta is star White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. The veteran is in the middle of a frustrating slump that is tanking what was incredible trade value for Chicago. Robert Jr. noted this, pointing out, "I don't think anybody is going to take a chance on me." This sentiment is based on the outfielder's .182 average and season-long slump at the plate.
Atlanta Should Attempt to Buy Low on Chicago Star Luis Robert Jr.
Making Robert even more enticing is the fact that the outfielder is under contract for each of the next two seasons under club options. This means not only could the Braves potentially buy low on Robert Jr., but they also have the ability to retain the outfielder or move on based on the results of the second half of the 2025 season.
There is reason to wonder if simply moving to Atlanta wouldn't be enough to fix the offensive struggles. Looking at Chicago's depth chart offers a bleak picture of the talent hitting around the outfielder. This isn't to defend the poor performance throughout the 2025 season, but rather to point out the reality of the potential boost Atlanta's lineup could offer.
Robert Jr.'s quote points to a level of accountability but ignores the level of desperation for capable power hitters. If not Atlanta, there will be a team more than willing to take a risk on an outfielder with his proven ceiling.
For the Braves, it is an enticing fit that would allow you an outfield lineup of Luis Robert Jr., Michael Harris, and Ronald Acuña Jr. This would put Alex Verdugo and Eli White into backup roles, giving the team one of the best outfield groups in the league. If the White Sox slugger were to rediscover his form, it would also offer Atlanta an argument as the best lineup in the National League. No question, it is a move worth exploring as Atlanta continues to find answers.