5 outfielders the Pittsburgh Pirates should monitor on the trade market

The Pittsburgh Pirates need outfield help, so let's look at some players who could be on the trade market the Bucs should start monitoring now.
May 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Miami Marlins center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. (2) celebrates after hitting a home run in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 7, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Miami Marlins center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. (2) celebrates after hitting a home run in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Luis Robert Jr.

While this one is the most unrealistic, not just because of the cost and the likelihood the White Sox trade him, but Luis Robert Jr. would be someone I would love the Pirates to heavily invest in if he was on the trade market. When healthy, Robert can be one of the best outfielders in all of baseball. 

Robert has missed a good portion of 2024 so far, only appearing in seven games. But he is rehabbing and should be back in action soon. When Robert is on the field, he’s a great hitter. Last season, he turned in a .264/.315/.542 triple-slash, .358 wOBA, and 128 wRC+ in 595 plate appearances. Only four other outfielders in baseball had more dingers, including Kyle Schwarber, Ronald Acuna Jr., Mookie Betts, and Adolis Garcia.

The downside to Robert’s game is his plate discipline. He struck out nearly 30% of the time with a 28.9% K% and had a poor 5% walk rate. While Robert was one of the best power hitters last year, his BB:K ratio of 0.17 was the worst among his peers in the grass.

Defensively, Robert already has one Gold Glove which he won in his 2020 rookie season, but he could win another one in the future. Robert had +6 defensive runs saved and +13 outs above average. He also has a well above average arm and can make good throws from center. He has plenty of range and consistently sits around the 85th percentile of sprint speed.

Robert is controlled through 2027, as he signed an extension this past off-season. Because of that, the White Sox might not be too willing to move Robert, even if they do a complete teardown. Robert is owed $15 million next year, then has two option years in 2026 and 2027 worth $20 million. That’s a steep price for the Pirates but a complete bargain for a guy who can be a +5.0 fWAR player.