Boston Red Sox Rumors: Jackie Bradley Jr. could be San Francisco bound
Fans of Jackie Bradley Jr. may have seen the last of him in a Boston Red Sox uniform.
With all the rumors swirling around the Boston Red Sox this offseason, it appears outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. will be involved in some sort of move.
It seems like that has been a possibility the last couple seasons, but with the team looking to bring a big bat or two to Boston, it appears some sort of deal involving the defensive center fielder is inevitable. The latest rumor involves the San Francisco Giants.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the Giants are looking for outfielders and Bradley Jr. is a player they have interest in.
#SFGiants have interest in trading for Jackie Bradley Jr., among many outfield options they are currently considering, source says. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 12, 2017
While his elite defense would be missed at Fenway, Bradley Jr.’s inconsistency offensively may be worth parting with. In 2017, the 27-year-old outfielder batted just .245 with 17 homers and 63 RBI. Given his defense, that type of production is suitable from a bottom of the order hitter.
However, with the lack of punch in the lineup, his inconsistency was hard to cover up. Add to that his projected $5.9 million in salary arbitration during the 2018 season, it would make sense for Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski to move him now.
Related Story: Trade destinations for CF Jackie Bradley Jr.
Possible moves
With the team in need of a power bat, Bradley Jr, is expected to be involved in a package to acquire either Marlins power hitter Giancarlo Stanton or another available slugger a team will be willing to part with.
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Is there such a slugger San Francisco would be willing to part with?
Probably not. Any possibility of the Giants acquiring Bradley Jr, will depend on which direction the Red Sox go in obtaining their power hitter. If they go the free agency rout instead of a deal for Stanton, Dombrowski could ask for pitching depth, prospects or both from the Giants.
Another possibility is the Red Sox settling their first baseman search by swapping Bradley Jr. for Brandon Belt. Again, that will depend on how possible negotiations go with the rumored first basemen the Dombrowski is believed to target in free agency. That list includes J.D. Martinez, Eric Hosmer and Carlos Santana.
If you are wondering about Belt, he hit 18 homers last season with the Giants with 51 RBI and a .241 BA and .355 OPS. He is someone who could have success offensively at Fenway and could also play left field if the team needs to move Andrew Benintendi to center field in place of Bradley Jr.
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In all, a Boston Red Sox and San Francisco Giants deal involving Jackie Bradley Jr. appears to the last case scenario.