Massarotti: Jason Heyward Makes Sense For Red Sox
By Tony Massarotti, 98.5 The Sports Hub
BOSTON (CBS) - Most every team has an array of plans for the baseball offseason. Given the Red Sox' need for pitching, here's one way they might be able to get some:
By signing an outfielder and trading away Jackie Bradley Jr.
Late Wednesday, "Felger & Mazz" producer Jimmy Stewart suggested the Red Sox might have an interest in outfielder Jason Heyward, most recently of the St. Louis Cardinals. While Red Sox president Dave Dombrowski has indicated that he likes the current makeup of the Red Sox outfield and sees the positional roster as relatively set, there is a scenario in which Heyward makes complete sense for the Red Sox.
And that is by trading Bradley or Rusney Castillo, though the former seems far more likely.
Think about it: Heyward just turned 26, which means he has just begun or is entering his peak years. (The Red Sox have an affection for this type of free agent.) He is an excellent defensive player, which makes him a perfect fit for Fenway Park in center field or in right field. The Sox could use a decent left-handed bat in the short term and the long, and an interest in Heyward might further explain the interest the Sox have allegedly shown in right-handed-hitting outfielder Chris Young.
In the end, Young would come off the bench against some lefties to spell Heyward, who historically has been poor against left-handed pitching. And the Sox could then move Bradley, with his stock potentially at its highest, in a package for a younger starting pitcher without having to cough up big dough for David Price or anyone else.
And the Sox would still have plenty of money to spend.
Anyway, it's just a thought. But don't be surprised to hear the Sox linked with outfielders who might be more than complementary pieces.
