According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Boston Red Sox are listening to offers for some big pieces of the 2019 roster in an effort to cut payroll so they can make other moves and remain under the luxury-tax threshold.
Rival exec confirms #RedSox looking to cut payroll so they can make other moves (most likely in bullpen) and remain under luxury-tax threshold. Porcello and Bogaerts eligible for free agency after this season, Bradley after 2020. https://t.co/SbK4CJYvDP
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 11, 2018
Red Sox Listening to Offers on Bogaerts, Porcello, Bradley Jr
As Bob Nightengale of USA Today points out, the Red Sox are said to be openly listening to offers for 2016 American League Cy Young award winner Rick Porcello. Rival clubs are also insisting that the Sox are willing to discuss moving All-Star shortstop Xander Bogaerts, and centerfielder and ALCS hero Jackie Bradley Jr.
A Look at Xander Bogaerts
Bogaerts has had a bit of an up-and-down career with the Sox. He broke out in 2015 and 2016, as he took home both his Silver Sluggers in back-to-back season after hitting 35 doubles in 2015 and then 21 home runs in 2016.
He had a bit of a down season in 2017, but returned to his normal-self in 2018. In 136 games, Bogaerts hit .288/.360/.522 with 45 doubles, 23 home runs, and 103 RBI’s.
Bogaerts is expected to make just under $12 million in 2019. He will be a free agent at season’s end. It is very unlikely the Red Sox part with the 25-year old, as he is a vital piece of their current core.
A Look at Rick Porcello
Porcello has been with Boston since 2015. In his first year with the team he had his fair share of struggles. Over 28 starts, had a record of 9-15, with a 4.92 ERA, and a 1.36 WHIP. He broke out with a career year in 2016, as he took home the Cy Young after going 22-4 with a 3.15 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, and 189 strikeouts.
He came back down to earth in 2017, as he followed up his career year by going 11-17 with 181 strikeouts and a 4.65 ERA. And last season, he pitched very well for the World Series champs as he posted a 4.28 ERA but won a total of 17 games.
Porcello is also eligible for free agency after this season. He is due over $20 million for the rest of his contract.
A Look at Jackie Bradley Jr.
Jackie Bradley is more known for his defense in centerfield, as evidence by his 2018 Gold Glove. Offensively, he has shown some positive things but hasn’t truly reached his full potential.
For his career, he is a .238/.317/.407 hitter with 123 doubles, 20 triples, 70 home runs, 292 RBI’s, and 47 stolen bases. He came up huge for the Red Sox during the 2018 American League Championship Series. Against the Astros, he smacked a grand slam and drove in nine runs.
Bradley is also a free agent at the end of the 2019 season. He is set to make just under $8 million.
After non-tendering Billy Hamilton, the Cincinnati Reds could show interest in the speedster. JBJ is also said to be very high on the Arizona Diamondbacks list as they look for a replacement for free agent centerfielder A.J. Pollock.
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