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

3 of 6

Oct 7, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (25) is hit by a pitch against the Cleveland Indians in the eight inning during game two of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

A Bottom of the order hitter

One thing that Jackie Bradley Jr. proved last season is that he was a better bottom of the order hitter than any other place in the lineup. That type of consistency at the No. 8 or No.9 spot is valuable in a pretty potent lineup. His ability to get on base in front of the top of the lineup can only be seen as a plus, despite his slump during the second half of the season and into the playoffs.

The numbers don’t lie in the case of Bradley Jr. His average in the eight spot was .333 and his batting average in the nine spot was .341. When he batted any other place in the lineup, he batted .263 at best.

While his plate discipline has been a problem of concern, he is a player capable of improving the more at-bats he has. The Red Sox can also afford him the time to do so. Any offense from Bradley Jr. is a plus at this point in his career. Coaching and patience will help his bad tendencies to swing at balls in the dirt during slumps.

In summary, it would be hard to see Jackie Bradley Jr. turn into the complete player he has shown he can be anywhere else. Just as his slumping numbers add to reasons why he should be traded, his numbers when he is hot with the bat easily make the case as a reason he should remain a member of the Boston Red Sox.

Home/Boston Red Sox