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Jackie Bradley Jr. heating up at right time for Red Sox

The Red Sox center fielder is turning things around, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

MLB: Boston Red Sox at Baltimore Orioles Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Red Sox have won their past six games, and at least some of the credit can be shined upon Jackie Bradley Jr. The Red Sox center fielder has seriously upped his game at the plate over the course of the past 15-20 games or so, and it’s starting to show. Over their last five games (not including Monday), for example, the Sox have managed to put up 33 runs, which is nothing short of impressive. The Red Sox center fielder has accounted for six of those 33 runs, which is a strong ratio, particularly for him.

Obviously I’m not here to take a shot at Bradley Jr. I’m just trying to note that he’s been subpar over the course of the season, and is finally proving his true talent at the plate.

Over his past 15 games, the 29-year-old is batting .271 with three home runs and 10 RBI’s. Over his past seven, he’s been even better, hitting .357 with two home runs and six RBI’s.

Bradley Jr. has never been known for his bat, but is something starting to change? I mean, if we’re being honest here, probably not. He’s just heating up at the right time, which is obviously fantastic, but it’s hard to imagine him keeping this up over the course of the rest of the season.

The 2018 Gold Glover’s best season came in 2016, when he finished with a .267 average at the plate with 26 home runs and 87 RBI’s. It’s hard to see him matching that this season, but technically he absolutely could.

It’s going to take a lot of work for the center fielder to get his batting average up, but he’s done well over the course of the past few weeks.

I know there has been been trade speculation regarding Bradley Jr. over the last few years, but I think the Sox would be crazy to trade him. Sure, he’s not the best offensively, but with the pitching staff the way it is this season, the Red Sox absolutely need him in the outfield.

Do you think Bradley Jr. will be able to keep it up? Or will he cool off soon?

Poll

Will Jackie Bradley Jr. keep up this hot streak?

This poll is closed

  • 54%
    Yes
    (219 votes)
  • 45%
    No
    (180 votes)
399 votes total Vote Now