PHILADELPHIA— The Philadelphia Phillies have gone through a gauntlet of American League teams since returning from the All-Star break.
After dropping two of three games to the Los Angeles Angels, the Phillies have handled business against the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. They now continue their interleague play stretch with a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox.
Chicago enters play with a record of 38-68. They are following last season’s historic performance, when they went 41-121, setting a Major League Baseball record for most losses in a single season. Chicago is on pace to win 58 games, which would be a 17-win increase from a season ago.
These two organizations are entering the trade deadline with much different intentions. The White Sox are a clear seller, looking to move major league talent for prospects. The Phillies are easily a buyer, looking to unload prospects for impact major league talent. Could these two teams strike a deal this week?
Phillies-White Sox Trade Potential
While Chicago is certainly a selling team, they do not have many players that would attract the Phillies in a deal. There is one player, Luis Robert Jr., who everyone has associated with the club at one time or another.
The Sox’s center fielder has seen his numbers drastically fall off since his career-best season in 2023. Robert hit 38 home runs that season and was primed to be dealt to a contending team in the seasons that followed. Instead, Chicago held on, looking for a higher return. Instead, they have seen that value deplete, with injuries and poor performance haunting Robert’s numbers. Moving their center field is no longer going to be a dynamic return for Chicago, but rather a deal that helps net the team additional prospects they can hopefully hit on.
Robert is hitting for a .204 average this season with a .632 on-base percentage. For reference, Max Kepler is hitting .205 with a .664 on-base percentage. The idea is that a change of scenery could help revitalize the magic for Robert, but that is no guarantee. If the Phillies and White Sox opt to make a deal, the Phillies could get out of his contract at the end of the season. Making this more of a rental player situation than a multi-year investment.
Pitching Preview
Cristopher Sanchez (9-2), 2.40 ERA vs Davis Martin (2-8), 3.89 ERA
In the opener, the Phillies will send Cy Young contender Cristopher Sanchez to the mound to face the White Sox. Sanchez has been brilliant this season and has built upon what was a fruitful 2024 campaign. Sanchez is coming off a complete game in his last start, tossing a full 9.0 and striking out 11 Boston batters.
The White Sox will send David Martin to the mound to oppose Sanchez. Martin is a quality arm by today’s standards and should be able to put together some innings against the Phillies. He is averaging roughly three earned runs a game over his last seven outings.
Jesus Luzardo (8-5), 4.58 ERA vs Jonathan Cannon (4-7), 4.48 ERA
On Tuesday, the Phillies will send what has become their most unpredictable arm to the mound. Jesus Luzardo started the 2025 season as one of baseball’s best. As of late, Luzardo has either been really great or really wild. Trying to find some consistency and regain command will be a topic of conversation as the Phillies continue to progress.
Chicago will oppose Luzardo with Jonathan Cannon. Cannon was tagged for five earned runs against the Tampa Bay Rays in his previous outing, but allowed no more than two runs in his four prior starts. The Phillies can benefit from reaching base early and forcing Cannon to pitch with runners on. Allowing him to settle in could potentially spell trouble.
Taijuan Walker (3-5), 3.84 ERA vs Adrian Houser (6-2), 2.10 ERA
For the series finale, the Phillies will once again turn to Taijaun Walker for another start. Walker has flipped back and forth between the starting rotation and bullpen this season, but has done a quality job. With Andrew Painter waiting in the wings, there is potential that this will be Walker’s final start of 2025.
For Chicago, the White Sox will send their best to face the Phillies. Adrian Houser joined the club in late May after pitching in the Texas Rangers’ organization to start the season. Houser’s 6 wins are the most on the club, and the veteran went at least seven innings in three of his last five starts.
Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
