The Seattle Mariners turned down a trade from the Boston Red Sox that would’ve sent outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. to the Seattle in exchange for lefty Charlie Furbush, according to Gordon Edes of ESPN Boston.
The deal would’ve helped Boston clear up the cluttered outfield that they have, while helping improve one of the worst pitching staff in baseball. The Boston bullpen currently ranks 19th in ERA (3.75) and 21st in opponent batting average (.255). Furbush, 29, has been lights out this season, posting an ERA of 1.86 in 9 2/3 innings. His current contract consist of a one-year, $1.3 million deal, with two years of arbitration left.
Bradley, 25, was once considered a top prospect but hasn’t lived up to that potential and has just 94 hits in 539 plate appearances. His biggest struggle has been plate discipline, striking out 154 times during that span. Bradley is still a very good defensive player, committing just two errors in 383 chances.
Seattle was probably smart to turn this deal down, with the role that bullpens have played in recent seasons and you can never have enough pitchers. The Mariners will lose centerfielder Austin Jackson to free agency after the season.
Update
Boston Red Sox General Manger Ben Cherington says there’s no truth about the trade proposal, according to Edes.
