The San Francisco Giants are definitely going to upgrade one of the worst starting outfields in baseball this winter. Fresh off a disastrous 98-loss season, it’s apparent this is the team’s No. 1 goal.
While that might start with looking into the viability of adding slugger Giancarlo Stanton from the Miami Marlins, Giants GM Bobby Evans and Co. are also looking at potential backup options.
According to this report from Jon Morosi of MLB Network, that includes Boston Red Sox outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr.
#SFGiants have interest in trading for Jackie Bradley Jr., among many outfield options they are currently considering, source says. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 12, 2017
Bradley wouldn’t necessarily be the earth-shattering acquisition of the ilk of Stanton, but he’d definitely be an upgrade for the weak-hitting team. He combined for 36 homers, 130 RBI and 137 runs scores in 2015-16 before seeing his numbers drop a great deal this past season. The 27-year-old former All-Star hit just .245 with a .726 OPS in 2017.
Even then, he’d immediately become the Giants’ best offensive and defensive outfielder, adding an elite base-running skill set to the team.
It’s not yet known whether the Red Sox would be willing to trade Bradley. We do know, however, that the team is looking to add more pop to the lineup. That could include shopping Bradley as a way to add an upgrade at the plate.
With Boston not too worried about crossing the $197 million luxury tax threshold, there’s a real possibility that they look into adding Stanton and his huge contract.
On the other hand, San Francisco doesn’t want to pay into the tax and has $170 million committed to players next season. With a $5.9 million salary in 2018, Bradley would be a cheaper alternative to Stanton.