Red Sox Predictions: 5 possible landing spots for Jackie Bradley Jr.
By Tim Starr
Arizona Diamondbacks
Another NL West team, the Arizona Diamondbacks lost AJ Pollock, Paul Goldschmidt, and Patrick Corbin in the 2018-2019 offseason. Then Zack Greinke was dealt to Houston for 4 prospects at the 2019 Trade Deadline.
Finishing 4 games above .500, despite heavy losses, the Diamondbacks showed that they can be contenders in 2020. Finishing 4 games behind a second Wild Card, one piece can allow them to sneak into the crowded NL playoff field.
With the young prospects acquired from St. Louis and Houston sure to advance in 2020, then the Diamondbacks have a chance to give the Dodgers a run for their money. While winning the NL West division is unlikely, the Wild Card is definitely in Arizona’s reach.
Due to dropping expensive players at the recent Trade Deadline and offseason, the payroll has shrunk significantly over the past few years. The D-Backs are set to have around a $105 million dollar payroll so $11 million for Bradley should be affordable.
If he can post 2016 numbers, Bradley can be a key piece in the success of the 2020 Diamondbacks in addition to helping the young core. He has the postseason experience that most in Arizona lack and can pass it down.
For a medium prospect or two, Bradley can help the D’backs in the future and now. He can provide a consistent center field and has potential offensive upside if he can regain his prior form.