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Philadelphia Phillies: Building a Christmas list for the rest of free agency

By David Esser

Sep 3, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper (3) and catcher J.T. Realmuto (10) congratulate each other after scoring against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2020; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Bryce Harper (3) and catcher J.T. Realmuto (10) congratulate each other after scoring against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 27, 2020; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (19) celebrates his score at the dugout against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2020; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (19) celebrates his score at the dugout against the Atlanta Braves during the first inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Sign Jackie Bradley Jr.

Jackie Bradley Jr. has been linked to the Philadelphia Phillies a ton as of late – primarily due to Dave Dombrowski now running the team’s baseball operations. Currently a free agent, Bradley Jr. reminds me so much of the Didi Gregorius signing from last offseason. A savvy veteran with winning experience who signs with Philly due to a connection with the front office/coaching staff.

Phillies nation fell in love with Didi after just 60 games, and I think we’d see a similar result with JBJ.

Like I mentioned previously, I believe Haseley projects better as a left fielder than he does as a center fielder. By moving off of McCutchen – and handing Haseley the everyday LF job – this leaves a pretty glaring hole in center, which would be filled beautifully by Bradley Jr.

The longtime Boston outfielder is statistically one of the best defenders in all of baseball, and is coming off a pretty impressive offensive year. The Phillies had one of the worst defenses in the MLB last season, and JBJ would be a great first step in terms of fixing it. He’d also come at about half the price as McCutchen, as his current salary is being projected to fall in the $10 million range.

An outfield trio of Harper/Bradley Jr./Haseley could genuinely end up being one of the better defensive outfields in the National League.

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