Red Sox: Former outfielders continue to dazzle with their defensive magic

Three former Red Sox outfielders named Gold Glove Finalists

Yesterday afternoon, Rawlings announced their finalists for each position in this year’s Gold Glove competition. As you may know, the finalists and eventual winners are chosen by the 30 managers as well as several coaches from each team. While the Red Sox only had one finalist in Hunter Renfroe, some familiar faces were once again on the list in 2021.

Boston’s once famed “Killer B’s,” outfield of Andrew Benintendi, Jackie Bradley Jr., and Mookie Betts may no longer be playing together, but they’re still out there doing what they do best. Of course, Benny was traded to Kansas City before this season, JBJ left in free agency, and, well, we all know the Mookie trade. Still, these are three of the best defensive outfielders in the game today and yesterday’s events just further prove that notion.

Benintendi had a rebound year in KC which I think deep down Red Sox Nation was hoping for. Sometimes all it takes for a player is a change of scenery and 2021 proved that for Benny Biceps. His .276/.324/.442 line was much closer to what he did in his better seasons in Boston, he also cranked out 17 homers (2nd best), and 73 RBI (3rd best), to back up his defense.

With the recent news of Franchy Cordero being DFA’d and sent back to Worcester, many believe the Sox lost this trade, but it’s still too early to tell. One bounce-back season with 1/5 of the return not panning out isn’t quite the deciding factor some think it to be. Benintendi ranked first defensively for left fielders in the AL, per Fangraphs.

JBJ did what JBJ has done for most of his career while in Milwaukee. Hot spurts at the plate followed by spells colder than a Maine winter with dazzling defense in the outfield. Many have said it, I included, for a long time that Jackie doesn’t get paid for his bat, he gets paid for his glove. He spent time in all three outfield positions in 2021 for the Brewers and posted a perfect 1.000 FLD% in all three, absolutely spectacular stuff from the veteran.

The lefty had one of his best seasons to date as far as Rdrs is concerned having saved having 12 total, nine of which came from his natural centerfield. Again, his .163/.236/.261 line isn’t why teams will always go after him, it’s that fielding percentage and penchant for Web Gem catches in center. He has one more year left on his current deal with Milwaukee which will see him hit free agency next at the age of 32, hopefully, another team will see his value.

Now I get to the hard part, Markus Lynn Betts. Another year, another late playoff run for the superstar right-fielder, we shouldn’t be surprised at this point. He was an absolute monster in the NLDS with a .450/.455/.600 line and while the Braves held in check to the tune of a paltry .174/.296/.217 slash, he had one hell of a 2021 campaign.

It hurts me to say this, but Betts is made for Hollywood. Everything about him screams Los Angeles to me and I think we’re about to see him do some of his best work in the upcoming years. I think Red Sox Nation won’t be letting go of that trade anytime soon as it harkens back to the days of selling Babe Ruth, but we have to look to the future.

Alex Verdugo, the man instantly penned as Mookie’s  1:1 replacement in the deal, has become one hell of a left-fielder and has the clutch gene for days. While I’ll never say I’m ok with sending Betts off to another team, especially one as stacked as the Dodgers, I also won’t say I’m disappointed in what I’ve seen from Verdugo.

Yesterday was bittersweet as I loved seeing these three continue to thrive but it also hurt that they didn’t do it in Boston. I always find myself pulling for former Red Sox players when they’re with other clubs. There are usually just two reasons why I won’t, they’re either an opponent or they’re with the Yankees. Other than that, I’m gonna root for you until the sun goes down.

These three were the foundation of this Red Sox club for many years and were also three of the biggest reasons why we were able to raise another banner in 2018. I wish things could’ve ended differently for all three and that they were still here pushing this squad, I’m still happy seeing them do what they do best. Hopefully next month we see all three add another Gold Glove trophy to their mantle.