Red Sox free-agent center field targets
Marcell Ozuna has been on the wish list for many Red Sox fans but he isn’t a fit if Bloom is hesitant to slide either of his corner outfielders over to center. The same can be said for Michael Brantley if they were inclined to chase a cheaper target. Both provide appealing production with their bats but they are trending toward being full-time designated hitters, a role J.D. Martinez occupies in Boston. The shallow territory in Fenway’s left field allows defensively challenged outfielders to passably fill the position but there’s no clear opening at the position if the Red Sox aren’t willing to move Benny to center.
George Springer is the top center field option on the free-agent market. While the New England native has been a rumored target, the Red Sox might not be willing to commit a significant salary for 5+ years to a 32-year-old when they have Duran waiting in the wings. Springer would also cost the Red Sox their second-round draft pick since he declined a qualifying offer from the Houston Astros. Losing a pick early in the second round while simultaneously blocking the path of one of their top prospects is a shortsighted strategy.
That could lead the Red Sox to a reunion with Jackie Bradley Jr. The team made no effort to lock him up with an extension and didn’t extend a qualifying offer but they still have Bradley Jr. on their radar.
MLB Trade Rumors predicts Bradley Jr. to receive a 2-year, $16 million deal in free agency. The reasonable salary fits easily into Boston’s budget while allowing them to allocate most of their available resources to upgrading the pitching staff.
Just because he’s not ready yet, doesn’t mean the Red Sox don’t view Duran as their center fielder of the future. A two-year deal for JBJ aligns well with Duran’s timeline so they won’t need to rush the outfield prospect. If Duran proves he’s ready before then, Bradley’s contract is cheap enough that he wouldn’t be a burden as a fourth outfielder and he could easily be traded.
Multiple teams have shown interest in Bradley Jr. and the competition could prevent the Red Sox from re-signing him. If they miss out on him, free agency is thin on viable alternatives. Boston would presumably target other low-cost veterans with short commitments. Bringing back Kevin Pillar makes sense considering he fit in well before a deadline deal shipping him to Colorado.
The Red Sox could also explore the trade market, although it’s currently unclear if any center fielders are readily available who would be an upgrade over what they can find in free agency. Boston’s weak farm system doesn’t have many assets to sell and the organization is focused on rebuilding rather than depleting their collection of prospects.
There are many directions for the Red Sox to consider for filling the center field position but one thing is clear. The starting center fielder for this team entering next season isn’t currently on the roster.