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Red Sox Nation 11/5: 5 Reasons Not to Trade Jackie Bradley Jr.

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Jul 21, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (25) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Minnesota Twins during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 21, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (25) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Minnesota Twins during the fifth inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 22, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Boston Red Sox outfielder Jackie Bradley, Jr. (25) slides into third base for a triple in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

Boston Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. is coming off his best season in the major leagues, yet trade rumors are still surfacing.

The Boston Red Sox are in the making of having one of the best outfields in all of baseball.  Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi and Jackie Bradley Jr. all showed that they are the real deal both offensively and defensively.  Bradley Jr., however, continues to be the player the team is most likely to trade.

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Coming off a season in which he averaged a career best .267 batting average with 26 home runs and 87 RBIs, Bradley Jr.’s struggles down the stretch of the season and into the American League Division Series was a reminder of how much of an offensive liability he can be.  It was also a reminder that he isn’t untouchable when it comes to trade.

If anything, his season increased his trade value.  Add that with the fact that he could demand a max contract in the next couple seasons and one could see why the Red Sox have their ears open.  One of the latest rumors involves a deal with the Chicago White Sox for ace Chris Sale.

According to Michael Settipani of CLNS Radio, a trade for Sale is a no brainer for Boston.

"“White Sox are believed to love Bradley as the centerpiece of a trade,” Settipani said. “After watching David Price and Rick Porcello puke on themselves in the playoffs a few weeks ago, Sale would be a major upgrade to the starting rotation and a bonafide ace. “I would take Sale every day of the week over Bradley. If Bradley gives you a legit chance at Sale, I would drive him to the airport myself. The Red Sox need pitching help,” he added."

Although an obtaining a front-line pitcher like Sale is intriguing, there are five reasons the Red Sox should not part ways with Jackie Bradley Jr.

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