Potential Trade Options: Outfield
With last year’s first round draft pick Andrew Benintendi thriving in the minors, the Sox don’t need to target a long term solution in left field. Swihart, assuming he’s not traded anytime soon, will likely be the starter for at least a few more seasons before the Sox have to make a tough decision, but for now, Young is the guy.
And eventually, Young will regress. Here’s three options the Sox could target to take over the backup outfield job. Note: Other than the first, none of these options are splashy or very fun scenarios.
Jay Bruce
If Boston hopes to keep up their offensive dominance, adding the rejuvenated Jay Bruce may be their best bet. He’s slashing .285/.336/.594 this season with 16 homers, and could play at least average defense in left field.
More importantly, the Sox can get rid of him at season’s end with a $1MM buyout option.
Despite failing to live up to his contract in the past few seasons, Melvin Upton Jr. looks like a different player with the San Diego Padres this season. With some pop and solid defense, Upton could be a great fit in Boston after playing with the Tampa Bay Rays in a different life as B.J. Upton.
The Padres would need to eat most of his contract, but they’d most likely be open to a way to give their prospects a shot at the big leagues.
It doesn’t seem like long ago when Peter Bourjos was the player keeping Mike Trout out of center field, but it’s been three years – and Bourjos is now a backup outfielder with the Philadelphia Phillies. But that doesn’t mean he’s necessarily a bad player.
Next: Indians Hope to Emulate Cavs
Bourjos has plus speed, can play every outfield position and can hit lefties fairly well. It wouldn’t take much to acquire, so the Sox should consider adding the 29-year-old.