Heading into this crucial off season, the White Sox have a few main needs: right field, DH, catcher, and at least 1 starter (but probably 2). Instead of looking into other right fielders via trade or free agency, why not look at one of the best center fielders in all of baseball in Jackie Bradley Jr.?
Reasons For
The idea of bringing in JBJ is intriguing to say the least. First, he is a lefty bat, something the team desperately needs. Second, he has shown remarkable upside thanks to his 5.3 WAR season in 2016. Finally, if all else fails he would be a legit center fielder. Basically Adam Engel but better at the plate and a much higher upside.
In this scenario, JBJ would be the Opening Day center fielder, while Luis Robert would shift over to right. He has displayed more than enough power to profile as a corner, and also possesses elite speed. Basically all of center and right field would be easily covered between Robert and Bradley Jr.
Reasons Against
Jackie Bradley Jr., while an incredible defender, hasn’t shown much offensive output at all the last few years. Last season he was still worth 1.4 fWAR, but only put up a slash line of .225/.317/.421. He will also turn 30 in April, and would only be in Chicago for 1 year before he becomes a free agent (but that should actually drive his price down).
Final Thoughts
While the idea is definitely what one would consider “out of the box”, I would only be happy with this move if the team made big splashes in other areas of need. For example, if they went out and signed Yasmani Grandal, Zach Wheeler, and Madison Bumgarner, I’d be very happy with JBJ patrolling center field for the White Sox in 2020. However, as we Sox fans all know, that’s easier said than done. Let’s see if the front office can finally make that big splash.
