We have heard from both the Astros and the Red Sox. They want their guys back, they say.
But just because there is interest in Houston keeping George Springer and the Red Sox doing the same with Jackie Bradley Jr. doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. In fact, there might be a very real possibility the two players find themselves trading places when all is said and done in free agency.
It was interesting to hear from a major league source Thursday that the belief is that Houston will be making a run at Bradley Jr. when the 30-year-old centerfielder hits the free agent market.
It makes sense considering the Astros’ potential need for an above-average defensive centerfielder if Springer leaves via free agency. Kyle Tucker and Myles Straw will still be in the mix, but Houston is facing potentially losing not only Springer, but free agents-to-be Michael Brantley and Josh Reddick.
An investment in Bradley Jr. would likely save some money for an Astros team that has about $115 million committed to the 2021 team before the arbitration raises waiting for Roberto Ozuna, Carlos Correa and Lance McCullers Jr.
As for Springer heading to Boston, as we’ve already written the 31-year-old’s skill-set makes perfect sense for the Red Sox. He is an elite defender — with the ability to play either center or right field at Fenway Park — can leadoff (something that should be of tremendous value to the Sox) and is a great clubhouse presence. He also hits right-handed, which is of value for a team that is lefty-heavy when it comes to its outfield options.
The issue remains whether or not Chaim Bloom wants to allocate the type of years and money the Connecticut native -- who will turn 32 on Sept. 19 -- is likely to command.
There are weeks to go before we can truly decipher is such a scenario is a very real thing. But right now, there is a lot of smoke to what might ultimately be the exact free agent fire we are talking about.