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Red Sox Predictions: 5 possible landing spots for Jackie Bradley Jr.

By Tim Starr

Red Sox outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. on photo day. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Red Sox outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. on photo day. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JUNE 19: Jackie Bradley Jr. #18 of the Boston Red Sox makes a catch off of the outfield wall in the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on June 19, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Minnesota Twins defeated the Boston Red Sox 4-3 in 17 innings.(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – JUNE 19: Jackie Bradley Jr. #18 of the Boston Red Sox makes a catch off of the outfield wall in the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on June 19, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Minnesota Twins defeated the Boston Red Sox 4-3 in 17 innings.(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

Minnesota  Twins

Byron Buxton was supposed to be the center of the Minnesota Twin’s resurgence. Though injuries have constantly halted his time in the majors, the potential is still oozing through Buxton.

However, trading for Bradley could provide some stability in Minnesota’s outfield, as he averaged 145 games a season the past 4 years. He won’t be the main guy on the roster, but if acquired, he can fill in at either of the positions.

He could lengthen out the bottom of an already powerful lineup (307 home runs in 2019, the MLB record). He could play a very good center field in a large Target Field – similar to Buxton, except a near guarantee to play 140-plus games.

The Twins cruised to the AL Central crown in 2019, but struggled heavily in the postseason, getting swept by the Yankees. Bradley has experience against the Yankees, playing in the AL East his whole career. He also has postseason experience in 2016, 2017, and 2018.

The Twins wouldn’t be thrilled giving up a top prospect for 2020 JBJ, but if they believe that he can put up a 3-4 WAR season, it could be well worth it. If a player who posts a 90 OPS+ can boast a 2 WAR, anything like 2016 Bradley (118 OPS+) can turn into a stellar, MVP conversation, season.

Overall, the Twins outfield is already tightly packed and paying $11 million for a platoon player may not be something that Minnesota is interested in. If Boston were to eat some salary, this trade could make more sense from the Twins’ perspective.

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