With the trade deadline fast approaching, the usual speculation is heating up. Several names are being tossed around, some justified by breakout performances, others buoyed more by potential than production. So, as contenders like the Dodgers look to plug holes and rebuilders eye the future, the rumor mill spins into overdrive.

Now, amid all the hype, how many players are truly willing to hold a mirror to their season and question their value? Especially when a top-tier team like the Dodgers is behind them?

Here comes a change! In a moment of rare honesty, the White Sox slugger, Luis Robert Jr., did just that. Rather than campaigning to be viewed as a high-value trade piece, Robert offered a blunt self-assessment based on his current performance. He doesn’t believe he’s worth trading for!

“Right now, as my season is going, I don’t think anybody is going to take a chance on me.”

Well, now that’s what we call guts! In an era when business perspective is getting over the on-field antics, being brutally honest is a much-appreciated change.

Well, there’s nothing better than a player acknowledging his limitations and working on improvement.

For starters, Robert is slashing just .186 with a paltry .589 OPS this season. These numbers are far from the explosive potential that made him the 2020 AL Rookie of the Year runner-up. Moreover, his trademark power has vanished, with only five home runs to his name. Will the teams like the Mets and Dodgers still be interested?

Well, Luis Robert Jr. is not finished. He still has his speed. His league-leading 17 stolen bases have been a bright spot, even if they’ve come at the cost of five failed attempts. Anyway, it’s an effort that speaks to hustle. Enough for the suitors…

Based on Robert’s skills and capabilities, it is rumored that both the Mets and the Dodgers are behind in bulking up their hitting squad. But considering his current form, the trade seems unlikely.

Now, the White Sox are hoping he can string together enough consistent performances to rebuild his value. The club, known for trading their top names, surprisingly didn’t trade anyone last year. Well, no repetition of Garrett Crochet anymore! But the White Sox are hoping to get a good value from Robert’s trade. Why not when the Dodgers and the Mets are in contention?

But with Robert’s honest confession and dwindling form, the front office might have little choice but to hold onto him longer than expected.

Robert might be a no-nonsense deal for the Dodgers and Mets

For starters, the Dodgers need to strengthen their center field. Andy Pages, in his second year in the majors, has faced difficulties at the plate and in the field while serving as the Dodgers’ everyday center fielder. Well, Tommy Edman is also capable of playing center. But he’s been holding down second base in place of Hyeseong Kim. After a sluggish start to spring training, Kim was sent to Triple-A to continue adjusting to big-league competition.

The Dodgers are thus now in need of either a center field upgrade or a second baseman who can free up Edman to return to the outfield. The best alternative? Luis Robert Jr.

Hence, whether it’s a blockbuster swing for a talent like Robert or a lower-profile move, the team has both the motivation and the means to act.

On the other hand, the Mets entered the season with Starling Marte as their center fielder, but the 36-year-old veteran has yet to find his rhythm. Through 28 games, Marte is slashing just .192, a far cry from the production New York was hoping for. The next in place? Tyrone Taylor, who has stepped in at times, but with just one home run and seven RBIs, his numbers don’t exactly make a compelling case for a long-term solution either.

Given this lack of offensive impact from their current options, Luis Robert Jr. stands out as an ideal target. He brings a dynamic combination of power and defense.

It is speculated that the suitors can acquire Robert at a competitive price. The White Sox, aware of his inconsistent play and durability concerns, can’t reasonably expect a king’s ransom. And for the Dodgers and Mets, Robert’s potential is exactly the kind of gamble they love to make.

Even if a gamble, such a bold, forward-thinking move could help both teams in the post-October scenario.