Boston Red Sox: Bryce Brentz is a real option as the fourth outfielder
The Boston Red Sox seem to be moving on from Chris Young, and Bryce Brentz is a logical choice to replace him as the fourth outfielder in the majors.
For now, the Boston Red Sox are set in their outfield with Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi, and Jackie Bradley Jr. Eventually, the team may sign J.D. Martinez and ship JBJ off to another team, but for now, this is the roster in the outfield.
Boston is done with utility outfielder Chris Young now it seems, and if they plan to go after Martinez or players like Eric Hosmer, they won’t want to spend big to replace Young. Therefore, the Red Sox will likely look internally for their fourth outfielder, and Bryce Brentz is the only logical choice.
Last season, Young appeared in 90 games for Boston. He hit .235 with 7 home runs and 25 RBI. Bryce Brentz would likely put up better numbers in even fewer games. Boston is likely looking to play their fourth outfielder 70-80 times in 2018, but they would hope for a little more pop and a few more RBI. Brentz is the favorite, according to Dave Dombrowski, to take that role over.
"More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win“Right now, we’ll have Bryce Brentz do that job for us. We always, in our own mind, felt that [he would get a chance] if he could get to that time at the end of the year where we could protect him. We’re looking at him. He has a leg up. We’re not really looking to go sign somebody at this time.”"
In 2017, Brentz hit .271 with 31 homers and 85 RBI in 120 games for Pawtucket. He didn’t see any major league action, even though he did in 2016. In 64 plate appearances for Boston that season he had a home run and 7 RBI. If he’s called up the majors once again, this time for a full season, Boston would like to see him hit at least .250 with 10 home runs and 30 RBI. Anyone would be satisfied with those kind of numbers from Brentxz, but he actually may have a bit more pop. I personally believe he could get to 15 home runs and 40 RBI for Boston.
Next: A healthy Hanley is huge for 2018
Sure, Brentz would struggle in the majors at first, but he’d adapt and overcome. He will be 28 in 2018, so it’s really his time to make the jump to Boston for Pawtucket. He’s currently playing in the Mexican Pacific League, and he’s had some great games. Brentz already has 7 home runs and 23 RBI in 25 games for the Naranjeros de Hermosillo