The MLB offseason has been heating up since the Winter Meetings started this season with the Yankees trading for Giancarlo Stanton and the Angels signing Shohei Ohtani.The Boston Red Sox finished the 2017 regular season with the best record in the AL East at 93-69 but need to improve considering the moves made by other American League teams this offseason. Here are the top rumors surrounding the Red Sox that you need to know.
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Steven Wright Arrested
On Friday night, Boston Red Sox pitcher Steven Wright was arrested in Tennessee on domestic assault charges after an incident with his wife, officials said. Police in Williamson County told Fox17 Nashville that Wright was charged with domestic assault and prevention of a 911 call
After earning All-Star honors in 2016, Wright only appeared in five games in 2017 as his season was cut short due to a knee injury. According to FOX17, Wright was released Saturday on $2,500 bond and is scheduled to next appear in court on Dec. 21.
David Ortiz Explains The Gap He Left
Ortiz retired from baseball in 2016, leaving Boston with much less power at the plate. In Big Papi's final season, he led the team in home runs with 38, so it wasn't a huge surprise to see Boston's power numbers drop. His absence not only impacted the Red Sox team, but it affected the players individually, Ortiz said.
“I was a little pushy with some of my teammates, so I think being that pushy helped them to put up better numbers,” he told the media at Pedro Martinez’s second annual charity gala. “I was that kind of guy. If I was doing what I was supposed to do, I would worry about my teammates doing well. Because you win as a team. You don’t win as just you being you.”
“I would’ve got on the guys not just with the criticism, but talking to them, building their confidence,” Ortiz continued. “Sometimes I would pull them and talk to them and work with them and do all kinds of stuff. That helps, somehow, some way.”
Basically, Boston needs a new leader to step up. That will be something to look for in 2018.
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Will The Red Sox Trade Jackie Bradley Jr?
Given the deficiency in the lineup, the Red Sox are looking to add some power and are keeping an open mind about trading outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. in order to accomplish that goal. According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Red Sox have let several teams know that Jackie Bradley, Jr. is available via trade.
The Boston #RedSox have let several teams know that CF Jackie Bradley is available in their pursuit of a power bat. #Cubs
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 11, 2017
Last season, Bradley had a batting average of .245 with 17 home runs, 63 RBIs, and 58 runs scored in 133 games. One team that has shown interest in Bradley is the Kansas City Royals, according to Rob Bradford of WEEI.com.
One team that continues to have interest in Bradley Jr. is Kansas City, but not sure there is a match
— Rob Bradford (@bradfo) December 11, 2017
In order to move the former first-round pick, Boston would likely seek a big package to make it happen. Bradley is under team control for three more seasons.
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