The Houston Astros need another outfielder, and an ideal option exists for them on the free agent market: Jackie Bradley Jr.
Two expensive signings relative to the Astros have taken place this offseason: them re-signing Michael Brantley and lifelong Astro George Springer signing with the Toronto Blue Jays. Meanwhile, right fielder Josh Reddick remains a free agent. Basically, two-thirds of manager Dusty Baker‘s 2020 starting outfield is gone — for the moment at least.
One figures that Brantley and Kyle Tucker man the corner outfield positions, but questions linger in center. Sure, the Astros could roll with and/or platoon Myles Straw and Pedro Leon in center. On the other hand, they could sign a player in his prime who’s a perfect fit for their depth chart.
Bradley is coming off a plausible season at the plate. Hitting .283 while posting an .814 OPS, a 118 OPS+, seven home runs, and 22 RBIs, he was a steady force for the Boston Red Sox in Major League Baseball’s 60-game regular season.
All in all, Bradley has been so-so in the batter’s box across his eight-year MLB career. He sports a career .239 batting average and a .732 OPS. Bradley also sports an 828:692…
Read “The Houston Astros Should Sign Jackie Bradley Jr.” at Baseball Essential
