New York Mets: 10 Centerfielders they should have on their radar
By Ed Stein
4. Jackie Bradley Jr. (29), Red Sox
Here come the meat and potatoes of the list. The Red Sox are under orders to cut payroll from their underachieving 2019 team, this offseason, to avoid a big luxury tax hit in 2020. One of the players on their trade block is Jackie Bradley Jr.
The former 2011 first-round pick out of the University of South Carolina is a standout defensive centerfielder, and 2018 Gold Glove winner. Bradley is also a former All-Star, ALCS MVP, and World Champion. Needless to say, JBJ is a huge trade chip.
It would be a tough match salary-wise because the New York Mets will be a bit strapped against the tax threshold as well, due to several players who will receive big raises. Bradley made $8.55M last season and is eligible for arbitration this winter. He could pull in upwards of $12M for the 2020 season. Bringing him in would require the Amazins to shed some payroll of their own.
3. Starling Marte (31), Pirates
Pittsburgh struck gold in 2007 when they signed Starling Marte as an amateur free agent from the Dominican Republic. It took him just five years to make the Majors. Once he reached the Show, Marte took off. A career .287 hitter, the 31-year-old, has two gold gloves in center field. Not many players can jump into a lineup and help a team immediately as he can.
Marte is in the middle of a six-year, $31M contract, which includes team options for 2020 and 2021. From a team’s perspective, its the perfect contract for a player his age. It’s why everyone and their brother will be tracking down Pirates GM Neil Huntington to obtain Marte. A bidding war could ensue. That isn’t good for the Mets. Pittsburgh is looking to re-stock their cupboard with young talent and BVW doesn’t have that much to spare.