Guardians Predicted To Swing Unthinkable Intra-Divisional Trade For Star

The Athletic’s Jim Bowden recently predicted the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians would come together on a shocking intra-divisional trade.

Bowden’s proposal would send White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. to the Guardians in exchange for outfielder Jaison Chourio and first baseman Ralphy Velazquez.

“The Guardians have been searching for a veteran upgrade for their outfield, and Robert would make a lot of sense for them. Robert, 27, is two years removed from a 38-homer season, and although he’s having a down year (.190 average, six homers), he does have 22 steals in 27 attempts and has played above-average defense in center field,” Bowden wrote. “He badly needs a change of scenery, and it’s expected he’ll finally get dealt at this year’s trade deadline. The Guardians would control Robert through 2027. He is making $15 million this season, and his contract includes two team options, at $20 million per year.”

The Guardians desperately need to add an impact outfielder, and Robert has the potential to be that guy. He’s an above-average base runner and fielder this season. If Robert can turn his play at the plate around, there’s a chance he’s one of the better outfielders in baseball.

The White Sox need to get whatever value they can for Robert at this point. His performance in the box has fallen off so far that it wouldn’t be surprising to see a lot of outfield-needy teams be hesitant to trade for him.

This is one of the rare intra-divisional trades that could potentially make sense. The Guardians would be buying low on a potential star while the White Sox would add two talented prospects to their farm system.

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