Re-Grading every Red Sox offseason move two months in
By Daniel Fox
Red Sox trade for Jackie Bradley Jr.
Of all the Red Sox moves this offseason, this was by far the most shocking. Just hours before the lockout, the Red Sox sent right fielder Hunter Renfroe, who was coming off a 31 home run season, for old friend Jackie Bradley Jr. and two prospects, Alex Binelas and David Hamilton. The move represented a clear downgrade on offense, and left many fans questioning what general manager Chaim Bloom was thinking.
Two months in, however, this looks like the rare move that could work out for both sides. Hunter Renfroe has given the Brewers some much needed offense, homering 9 times and posting a 124 OPS+, before landing on the IL with a hamstring issue. Bradley Jr., meanwhile, has provided his usually excellent defense and has been red-hot as off late (.290/.325/.461 since May 3).
What can really swing this deal in the Red Sox favor is the success of the acquired prospects. Binelas has already homered 10 times down in Greenville and walked at a 19.8% clip. Hamilton only has four home runs but is a remarkable 20-for-23 in stolen bases thus far. It should be noted, however, that both players are old for their league, and neither project to be more than a role player in the big leagues.
Still, each of the three players acquired in the deal has exceeded expectations, which is a rare occurrence in a trade. The Red Sox could have used Hunter Renfroe’s power, but the players they got back so far are fairing just fine.
Grade A-