Red Sox Predictions: Players who could be traded during 2019 offseason
By Tim Starr
Jackie Bradley Jr. has had a bumpy ride in Boston. He went from being an All-Star in 2016 to batting below average in 2017 and 2018, to winning the 2018 ALCS MVP, to going back to disaster in 2019. Bradley has maintained his elite defense, winning a Gold Glove in 2018 and possibly 2019, but that has been his only saving grace.
Per MLB Trade Rumors, Bradley is in line to make $11 million in arbitration for this upcoming season. The Red Sox, who need to lay off on the payroll, may not have interest in paying $11 million for a player that really only provides value in defense. Because of that, Bradley has a very good chance of being traded (or non-tendered) this offseason. Bradley put up a 90 OPS+ in 2019, ten percent below a league average hitter.
Teams that could be interested in Bradley are those that need a defensive center fielder and already have a good offense. The Mets struggled in 2019 defensively and offensively at center field, with Juan Lagares putting up a -2 Defensive Runs Saved Above Average and posting a 63 OPS+. The Mets could definitely use a center fielder and Bradley could be an attractive option for them.
Other teams that could be interested are the Indians, who could choose to trade for Bradley rather than re-sign Yasiel Puig. Also, the Angels could be interested despite having the best centerfielder and player in baseball – Mike Trout. Trout has been injured two of the past three seasons, and moving him to right or left field with Bradley in center could make sense for the Angels.
Overall, trading Bradley would not get any significant prospect for the Red Sox (unless they ate money) and it would be to cut his salary from the payroll. The Red Sox should explore all available routes in order to trade Bradley.