White Sox slugger in dire need to leave Chicago could be a good fit with Padres

Besides a major problem at catcher, the San Diego Padres need some sprucing up in left field. Among the worst in baseball in batting average and on-base percentage among left fielders, the Padres' need to fill left field has become one of the top priorities.

As the 2025 trade deadline discussions have already begun heating, ESPN's Jeff Passan dropped an interesting player who the Padres can go after. Luis Robert Jr., a center fielder, needs to get out of Chicago. The White Sox have been one of the worst teams as of recent, and Robert Jr.'s numbers beginning to dwindle as he remains there. With a change of scenery, Robert Jr.'s star-level production can potentially return, all while helping San Diego compete in the NL West down the stretch.

Luis Robert Jr. could deepen the Padres' lineup, outfield depth in 2025

Moving the 27-year-old from center to left field would be the first thing to do upon arrival. His defensive metrics will stabilize, and the Padres won't have to worry about who they will run out in left field. Jason Heyward has not been the answer, Brandon Lockridge is still figuring it out, and Gavin Sheets should probably not play in the outfield, although the Friars definitely need his bat somewhere in the lineup.

Robert Jr. is the first player to reach 20 stolen bases this season, which would add plenty of speed to a lineup that has only stolen a tick more than 40 bases through two-plus months of games. He is also Gold Glover, a Silver Slugger, and an All-Star. The potential is endless with Robert Jr., so let's scratch his well-under .200 batting average, and let him start anew on the West Coast.

Luis Robert Jr. needs a way out of Chicago, but the Padres might need him in left field more than he needs to be on a new team.