Jackie Bradley Jr. (Free Agent in 2021)
Jackie Bradley Jr. is one of the best fielders in the outfield. It’s not up for debate after winning a Gold Glove in 2018. His defense has been lauded for multiple years. His offense has been steadily declining for the past three seasons. With 2016 being his best statistical season, his slash of .267/26/87/9 fell to .245/17/63/8 in 2017, and in 2018 his slash dropped once again to .234/13/59/17. Thank goodness for stolen bases and a spectacular Post Season.
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Bradley was able to rectify his value on a whole new level after memorable games against both the Astros and the Dodgers. Bradley put Game 3 of the ALCS away after hitting a grand slam and hit the go ahead two run homer in Game 4 before the series ended in five games.
Also in game 3 of the World Series, Bradley hit the game tying solo home run in the top of the 8th inning. The Red Sox lost in 18 innings to the Dodgers in a game that set a new record for the longest World Series game of all time.
It would be unfair to discredit the man who was able to get the key clutch hit when the team needed it the most. In 144 games, JBJ again knocked 13 homers and had 59 runs knocked in. In 14 Post Season games, Bradley slashed .200/3/10/1. Three of his eight hits will never be forgotten. JBJ is also one of the 2018 stars to be actively shopped by the Red Sox. If that doesn’t serve as extra motivation, I’m not sure what does.
Bradley Jr. will have to get back on the horse as a player who teams will be looking at if they are looking at getting a future stud outfielder in 2021 and the future. Will the Sox open up the purse for JBJ? The odds are unlikely as the team will need to focus their finances on other players long-term. Would he be willing to take a hometown discount? Only time will tell if the top player with the most to prove can deliver in 2019 and maybe, just maybe be able to bring his team back to the World Series.