Why the Houston Astros Should Pursue a Trade for Former All-Star Outfielder Luis Robert Jr.
The Houston Astros, currently experiencing a slow start to the season, might want to consider making a trade to strengthen their lineup.
This offseason, the Astros were among the busiest teams in terms of player movement, but despite these changes, it doesn’t quite feel like they’re as formidable as in previous years.
The departures of Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman have left a noticeable gap in the lineup, and the struggles of several key veterans at the start of the season haven’t helped matters either.
On the bright side, Jose Altuve has been performing well, but he alone can’t carry the offense. It’s also worth noting that his move to left field doesn’t seem to have impacted his hitting, which is impressive.
Though shifting Altuve to the outfield helped mitigate some of the offensive loss from Tucker’s trade, the Astros’ outfield still lacks punch.
One player who could be a strong addition to the team is Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr.
At just 27, Robert has shown great potential early in his career, though injuries and inconsistency have held him back at times.
In 2023, Robert had a breakout season, posting a .264/.315/.542 slash line with 38 home runs, 80 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases. However, he struggled to replicate that success in 2024, as injuries appeared to hinder his performance.
In 2025, Robert has continued to struggle, with a disappointing .136/.235/.203 line, including one home run, four RBIs, and six stolen bases.
While there is some risk involved in trading for Robert, the upside is hard to ignore. After a rough couple of years for the White Sox and limited support around him, a change of scenery could help him rediscover his All-Star form.
The Astros’ outfield situation is less than ideal at the moment, making the addition of a strong defensive player like Robert a sensible move. If he regains his 2023 form, that outfield trio of Altuve, Robert, and Cam Smith could be a major offensive threat.
Though it’s still unclear what direction the Astros are heading after a busy offseason, acquiring a player like Robert could help the team both in the present and down the line, making him an intriguing trade target for Houston.
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