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

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.

 #WinDanceRepeat

The No. 5 reason not to trade Jackie Bradley Jr. may be a bit shallow, but come on…who didn’t enjoy “Win, Dance, Repeat” after every Red Sox victory?

With Bradley Jr. being the center of the post-win dance, it wouldn’t be the same without him.  Here is a brief history of the celebration as explained by the Red Sox outfielders:

The post-win celebration was one of the highlights of the 93-win season.  The dance showed how much fun the team was having and also show a brotherhood amongst the outfielders.

Bradley Jr., Mookie Betts and a variety of leftfielders together showcases a team comradery that seemed missing during the prior two seasons.  Breaking that up would be a risk and would also break up one of the most exciting outfields the team has ever had.

One of Bradley Jr.’s most memorable celebration dances was the ski jump he debuted following the team’s 13-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre back in September.  It was Rick Porcello’s 20^th victory, which dominated the headlines that night, but the ski jump was the second topic everyone was talking about.

https://twitter.com/RedSox/status/774440472538382337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

"“We’re mixing it up a little bit,” Bradley said.  “Debut of the ski jump today.”"

Win, dance, repeat would not be the same without the 26-year-old outfielder.

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.

Mr. Reliable

The development of Jackie Bradley Jr. was one of the big stories of the 2016 season.  He bounced back from a season in which he hit a low .216 to become one of the team’s power sources during the first half of the season.  Most importantly, Bradley Jr. was a player who showed up every day to work (except the birth of his child) and was a constant in the lineup.

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Despite the offensive inconsistency, having his grove in the field was more important than his bat.  He played in 156 of the team’s 162 games, including all 3 post-season games.  His availability showcased both his durability and stamina as an everyday player as well as the hard work and commitment he puts into the game.  All of those qualities made him a first-time All-Star.

"“I’ve been through a lot of adversity, but honestly, I think that shows that I’m willing to go through it, to put the work in and keep moving forward,” Bradley said before a game in July. “It sounds a little cliché — everybody always says, ‘It’s a dream come true.’ I never really thought of ‘All-Star’ as being a dream for me. My dream was always to play at a major league level. “I’ve been able to be an All-Star at every single level that I’ve played at on a consistent basis. So, I’m glad that I get to be an All-Star at the top level as well.”"

Perseverance can go a long way in the league, Bradley Jr. is committed to only getting better as his experience grows.

There are other prospects

While Jackie Bradley Jr.’s value is at its height, the Red Sox could obtain a player like Chris Sale in a trade via other prospects and young players. While I wouldn’t give up Andrew Benintendi either, Boston could offer up Yoan Moncada and/or Rafael Devers in a trade to add another pitcher to the starting rotation.

The option to add another pitcher could wait until the regular season to see how David Price bounces back and to see how Eduardo Rodriguez emerges. With another consistent year from Rick Porcello along with consistent seasons from both Clay Buchholz and Drew Pomeranz, the Red Sox could be all set with starting pitchers.

Don’t forget they will also have knuckle ball pitcher Steven Wright back.  If needed, Dave Dombrowski could package a veteran pitcher along with a prospect or two for another front-line starter.

In summary, the team should be patient when it comes to any trade involving Jackie Bradley Jr.  Good

defensive center fielders are hard to find and they may have one of the best they have ever had at the position.  Sure there was Johnny Damon and Jacoby Ellsbury, but neither player had the arm Bradley Jr. has, which leads to the No. 1 reason he should not be traded.

Defense, defense, defense

A Rawlings Gold Glove candidate, there aren’t many outfielders better than Jackie Bradley Jr.  His defense is simply outstanding and his reaction time off the bat makes him a top center fielder in the league.  He is simply a joy to watch in the outfield.

https://twitter.com/RedSox/status/791706882138263552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Besides his instincts, Bradley Jr.’s speed along with his cannon arm makes him a run-preventing weapon on defense.  Those abilities not only help his pitchers, but help fellow outfielders who don’t have to cover as much field with him out there.  His outstanding defense is what makes his inconsistency on the offensive end tolerable and something the Red Sox as a team can get by on.

If he doesn’t win the Gold Glove this year, whoever does most be extraordinary, because Jackie Bradley Jr. will be a Gold Glove candidate for years to come.  In any event, it is a treat to see this young player come up through the system, work hard and put it all together.

"“You see guys come up in their early 20s and they step right in and they do a very good job,” Red Sox manager John Farrell said back in May. “Other guys are going to transition as the challenges they face and how they are pressed into adjustments. We’ve seen Jackie go from a very challenging 2014 to a guy that’s understanding himself more as a player right now. And it’s good to see him come through those challenges out the back side a more consistent player.”"

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If Jackie Bradley Jr. is actually traded, it will be hard not to compare any outfielder who takes his place, especially if he is not as good defensively.