Boston Red Sox: Three trade chips to watch at the deadline
By David Hill
The Boston Red Sox are in the midst of a miserable season, but they do have several players that could be on the move.
It was expected that the 2020 season would be a rough one for the Boston Red Sox. Mookie Betts was sent packing in the offseason, and Chris Sale needed Tommy John surgery. Another steady pitcher, David Price, was sent to the Dodgers with Betts. The Red Sox essentially sat out of free agency, and were content to simply reset the luxury tax.
That strategy has worked as expected. The Red Sox are dead last in the AL East, and actually have the second worst record in the game, with only the Pirates keeping them from the first overall pick. As such, the Red Sox are in a different situation this season, as they will be sellers at the trade deadline.
Let’s look at some players the Red Sox could deal.
Jackie Bradley Jr.
Seemingly every offseason, Jackie Bradley Jr. comes up as a trade candidate for the Boston Red Sox. That could change this year.
While Bradley has never exactly been a top hitter, he has struggled thus far in the shortened season. Heading into Sunday’s action, he had produced a .234/.300/.281 batting line with three doubles in 70 plate appearances.
Bradley had been a double digit home run hitter, reaching that mark for five consecutive years, and hitting over 20 homers twice. He is also an excellent defensive outfielder, having led American League outfielders with 23 runs saved in 2018, and has led the league in outfield assists four times.
At this juncture, Bradley would be a nice fit for a team looking for a fourth outfielder. He could surprise with the bat, especially as he has had occasional hot streaks in the past. If nothing else, he would be a defensive replacement and capable of giving any starting outfielder a day off down the stretch.
As an impending free agent, there is no reason for the Boston Red Sox to hold on to Jackie Bradley Jr. It is time for that trade to happen.