The Boston Red Sox entered the beginning of last season with buckets of hype surrounding young outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. It looked like the center fielder of the future had arrived as a big league contributor earlier than expected. That plan quickly flamed out.
More from Boston Red Sox
- After frantic trade day, Kiké Hernandez grateful for second chance with Dodgers
- MLB Rumors: Potential Braves reunion, Lance Lynn no-trade clause and Orioles deadline intentions
- Braves-Red Sox start time: Braves rain delay in Boston on July 25
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers reunite with familiar face in Red Sox deal
- MLB Rumors: Braves trade package, White Sox-Reds deal, Mets disaster
The Red Sox entered 2014 with the feel-good story of the year in center field. Grady Sizemore, after more than a year missed due to injuries, looked like at least a version of his old self in Spring Training. If not the comeback player of the year, Sizemore looked like he could at least keep the seat warm for Bradley. That plan has also fizzled, due mostly to slumps from Sizemore.
The flailing Red Sox are still looking for an answer in center field, at least until Bradley proves he is truly ready to take over in that spot for good. While general manager Ben Cherington insists that the current iteration of the Red Sox roster has the ‘core of a winning team,’ it sounds like the team is planning to get serious about pursuing a trade for a center fielder.
"“According to an industry source, the Red Sox continue to explore the outfield trade market, particularly possible center field help that might be able to take some of the pressure off of Jackie Bradley. No deal appears imminent.”"
Bradford notes that Andre Ethier of the Los Angeles Dodgers has long been linked to the Red Sox. Boston is reluctant to pursue Ethier, however, because of his limitations against left-handed pitching and his gaudy contract. Even with payroll flexibility to make a trade, it’s hard to blame the Red Sox for not wanting to take on even a chunk of what’s left of a gruesome six-year, $95 million deal for a player they aren’t sure about.
Another situation the Red Sox will monitor is the one with the Colorado Rockies. The NL West upstarts are currently carrying six outfielders on their big league roster, three of whom can play center field. With the emergence of Charlie Blackmon, would the Rockies be willing to part with Drew Stubbs? What about selling high on Blackmon?
Right now Colorado sees themselves as contenders, but if they fall out of the race in a challenging division they should plan on some phone calls from Cherington and the Red Sox…presuming Boston can stop their own losing ways, that is.