Yankees vs. Red Sox: Who has the edge at each position?
Aaron Hicks vs. Jackie Bradley Jr.
Bradley Jr. might be the best defensive center fielder in baseball. Mike Trout fans have a legitimate claim to dispute that, but the Red Sox outfielder is the best American League defender at his position.
Unfortunately, he is a minus with the bat in his hands. Hitting .234 with just 13 homers on the season makes him one of the least productive hitters in Cora’s lineup. He saves Boston a ton of runs with his glove, but he doesn’t help them produce many at the plate.
In contrast, Hicks is a pretty balanced contributor for the Yankees. He isn’t in Bradley Jr’s class as a center fielder, but he plays an above average outfield in his own right. Hicks is easily the better hitter of the two. He didn’t hit for a great average this season, but his OBP of .366 combined with his 27 home runs make him a plus hitter.
Add all of this up and it’s really too close to call. Neither team would contemplate trading their player straight up for the other. That’s a pretty good sign that it’s a push. We don’t like not making a call here, but it’s strictly a matter of taste. Bradley will be better with the glove and Hicks will be better with the bat. In the end, it’s a tie.