Jacoby Ellsbury‘s departure to the New York Yankees has created an opening in center field as the Red Sox prepare their roster for the 2014 season.
One player who may fill this role is talented prospect Jackie Bradley Jr., who batted .189 with three home runs and 10 RBIs in 37 games with Boston last season. He also has a career minor league batting average of .297 and an .897 OPS.
The former University of South Carolina star has a similar skill set as Ellsbury. He projects to be a player capable of getting on base often, using his speed to steal bases and put pressure on opposing pitchers, and providing stellar defense in the outfield.
The Red Sox won’t rush Bradley to a starting major league role before he’s ready, and it’s still possible that the club adds some outfield depth through free agency to allow the 23-year-old prospect to develop further.
Will Bradley be the starting center fielder for the Red Sox next season? Share your opinion and vote in the poll below.
