Red Sox OF: Jackie Bradley Jr.
I think we can all agree on this one. I doubt I was the only one shocked when the news alert popped up on my phone that Jackie Bradley Jr. was making his way back to the Red Sox. On the surface, it’s a baffling deal but it feels like one of those Chaim specials. We had to give up Hunter Renfroe, which I hate, but we did receive prospects back in the deal with JBJ which is why Bloom did it.
We took on more money but in doing so brought back one of the best defensive players in the league and probably the best defensive centerfielder in franchise history. Alongside Jackie, Boston received Alex Binelas and David Hamilton from the Brewers. The prospects are currently ranked 18th and 26th in the Red Sox system respectively by Sox Prospects.
It’s been said a million times already but I’ll say it again here, Jackie isn’t paid for what he does in the batter’s box. His defensive abilities are why he’ll always get attention from teams in need of an outfielder. I’m glad to see him back with the club but there’s not a chance that Bloom hands him a new contract once he hits free agency next winter.