Jackie Bradley Jr., who spent eight years with the Red Sox from 2013-2020, is back with the team following a one-season hiatus.
The Red Sox on Wednesday acquired the outfielder Bradley, plus infielders David Hamilton and Alex Binelas, from the Brewers in exchange for outfielder Hunter Renfroe.
While Bradley Jr. is a known commodity and widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in the game, he’s coming off a particularly poor offensive season in which he hit .163 in 134 games with the Milwaukee Brewers.
The consensus among experts is that it’s a surprising move – particularly considering his struggles a season ago – but that it’s important to look at it through a wider lens.