I’m not really sure what you do with Robles if he keeps this up? Might be a good idea to approach him now for a deal similar to what you gave Ruiz if he’ll accept it? He’ll be 26 in a month so he’s still pretty young. Odd situation to be in.
interesting discussion point.
I think we went into the season thinking we'd be happy with a .240-.250 hitting Robles with his D. That sort of Robles had trade value because contenders look for that to round out outfields either as a backup or as a filler in a good offensive lineup between big boppers who can't field. Pache just was dealt to Philly in the first sort of deal.
However, if Robles is now adjusting his offensive game to avoid weak air contact and swinging at junk, hitting with 2019 results but a better approach, then he's much more useful. He's also signed to a dirt cheap option next year. That sort of guy is worth a heck of a lot more in a deal, and doesn't harm you to hold the fort until Hassell is ready, or maybe De La Rosa or Wood.
I think you take your lumps if you keep him through 2024 and this performance is real. You let him walk or try to keep him at market rate, depending on your view of your prospects. You can't make a Ruiz deal because there are too few years of control to pay off in order to buy out free agent years. Maybe you can do a deal to rip up the 2024 option in exchange for a less than FA price for 2025. Lots of time to observe and for him to play before we make a call.
