Mets, Phillies among teams heavily pursuing White Sox former All-Star outfielder

Trade rumors surrounding Chicago White Sox centerfielder Luis Robert Jr. are heating up with just a couple of days left before the July 31 trade deadline.

Robert, 27, appears to be trending toward his former self. Overall, his offensive numbers aren’t great, but a strong July has rebuilt his trade value.

He has three home runs and 11 RBI while slashing .318/.412/.545 in his last 13 games dating back to July 8.

ESPN’s Buster Olney gave an update on what the White Sox are looking to get back for Robert in a trade.

“Division rivals are vying for outfielder Luis Robert Jr. of the White Sox, with the White Sox apparently resolute in the stance that they'll either receive a trade return the equivalent of what Robert's potential is or hang onto him beyond the deadline,” wrote Olney. “The White Sox hold a $20 million option on Robert next season, and they have tons of payroll flexibility moving forward, meaning that there really is no financial stress in the decision; Chicago doesn't have to dump the contract.

“Luisangel Acuna and Mark Vientos are among the names that have come up in conversations with the Mets, and the Phillies have a farm system loaded with pitching. The Padres have also inquired about Robert.”

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Robert has shown that he is a five-tool player and a change of scenery to a playoff team could unlock his superstardom.

The White Sox have looked like a different team since the All-Star break.

If the team isn’t happy with the offers they receive, they may elect to hold onto Robert for another year and try again at next year’s trade deadline or see where things stand during a full season with this current group.

Regardless of whether Robert is traded in the coming days or not, he looks more like himself recently.

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