Report: Red Sox, Astros interested in JBJ
The Boston Red Sox have opened discussions with free-agent outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. about bringing him back on a new multi-year contract, a source told Rob Bradford of WEEI.
The Houston Astros and an unidentified AL Central club are also reportedly interested in the center fielder's services.
Boston drafted Bradley in the first round of the 2011 draft. The 30-year-old has spent all eight of his MLB seasons with the Red Sox.
Bradley, an All-Star in 2016 and Gold Glove winner in 2018, owns a career batting line of .239/.321/.412 with 98 home runs, 162 doubles, 23 triples, and 60 stolen bases in 873 games.
Though he's known more for his defensive prowess and highlight-reel catches, Bradley was solid at the plate in the shortened 2020 campaign. He hit .283 with an .814 OPS in 55 games.
The Red Sox have Andrew Benintendi and Alex Verdugo penciled in as their returning outfielders for 2021. Boston could move Michael Chavis to the outfield - he logged 95 2/3 innings in left during 2020 - if it doesn't fill the position externally.
Meanwhile, the Astros' projected outfield alignment currently features Kyle Tucker, Myles Straw, and Chas McCormick as well as primary designated hitter Yordan Alvarez.