The 5 Boston Red Sox with the most to prove in 2018

2. CF Jackie Bradley Jr.

Jackie Bradley Jr. has been at the center of trade rumors all offseason so far, with the latest coming from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Reports have surfaced that LA contacted Boston about a deal that would essentially swap JBJ for Yasiel Puig. Of course, nothing ever came of that conversation and a deal was never truly proposed, but it’s interesting none the less. The Sox have a great outfield with JBJ, Mookie Betts, and Andrew Benintendi, but some fans are greedily asking for more.

The league is now an offensive one, and fans want more production at the plate from their center fielder. Bradley hit just .245 for the Red Sox last season and he added 17 home runs and 63 RBI. The RBI don’t really seem like an issue, but the lack of long balls is, especially after he was able to belt 26 in 2016. That’s unlikely to happen again in JBJ’s career. but expecting a better average makes sense. His defense is second to none though, and fans need to learn to appreciate that. A Gold Glove in 2018 could go a long way towards silencing his local haters next season.