Arizona Diamondbacks: Three free agents to target this offseason
By Nick Stevens
The Arizona Diamondbacks have a void in centerfield.
Upgrading the lineup needs to be top priority for the Arizona Diamondbacks this offseason. With Starling Marte now in Miami, there’s a void in centerfield that could be filled by Ketel Marte. But if you’re the Diamondbacks, you prefer to have Marte’s glove at second base next season to solidify the infield defense.
He may not be able to provide a huge boost to the offense, but Jackie Bradley Jr.would be a great sign for the Diamondbacks.
Bradley is a career .234 hitter with a wRC+ just below league-average at 93, but there’s plenty of pop in his bat (21 home runs in 2019) and the Gold Glove-worthy defense is reason enough to bring him aboard.
His 2020 sample at the plate isn’t symbolic of what type of hitter he is, but shows that there’s enough to remain about league-average across a full season. Bradley hit .283 with a .364 OBP and a 119 wRC+ in 55 games for the Boston Red Sox this year, a big improvement on his 2019 .225/.317/.421 slash line and 90 wRC+ which is more in line with his career numbers. But a smaller sample size and a .343 BABIP in 2020 hint at Bradley not repeating those numbers.
Arizona outfielders combined for zero Defensive Runs Saved and two Outs Above Average last season, both ranking in the middle of the pack among MLB teams. Jackie Bradley Jr.recorded five DRS and ranked second among all MLB outfielders with seven OAA last season with Boston.
A strong defense up the middle will go a long way in a division loaded with offensive talent.