Notebook: Is Jackie Bradley Jr. tradebait? Also, extension talks tabled for now

ORLANDO -- While it’s widely assumed that the Red Sox intend to focus more on free agents than trades this winter and aren’t looking to deal from the core of their current roster, one major league executive from another organization indicated Wednesday that, based on conversations this past week, the Red Sox would at least be open to talking about Jackie Bradley Jr.

The thinking is that the Sox could always slide Andrew Benintendi over to play center, and move Bradley to address other needs. It’s possible that this scenario could be in play should the Sox sign free agent J.D. Martinez, who could take over in left for Benintendi and allow Benintendi to move to center, freeing Bradley to be dealt. The San Francisco Giants, desperate to upgrade their entire outfield, are one team interested in Bradley.

“We like our outfield so we’re not looking to do anything,’’ said Dave Dombrowski. “Now again, you’re always open-minded to anything. That’s why you sit down with clubs and hear what they have to say. But we like our outfield and aren’t looking to do anything in that regard. But I’ve never been close-minded to any suggestions. But if we’re going make a move with any of our core-type players, it would really have to make sense for us in addition to what the other club is trying to do.’’
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The Sox have a number of their own star players inching closer to free agency, but Dombrowski said any possible contract extension talks would probably have to wait until January or February.

“It’s really not a priority at this time of year with your own personnel,’’ he said.  “Sometimes that’s dependent on the agent, but most of those agents have other things they’re working on at this time of year, so that’s not your focus.

“Could it (get moved up on the calendar)? I guess. But again, it’s usually not the focus (now).’’
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Dombrowski was asked if he had a preference for a lefty or righty bat in his search to add a slugger to the Red Sox lineup.

Some of the potential candidates are righthanded (Martinez, Giancarlo Stanton); others (Eric Hosmer, Logan Morrison, Lucas Duda) are lefthanded and still others (Carlos Santana) are switch-hitters.

“I think we’re pretty balanced when you look at our lineup right now,’’ he said. “We have three left-handed hitters when you look at Benintendi, Bradley and (Rafael) Devers and you could mix other people into that mix. On the righthanded hitters, you have (Mookie) Betts,(Xander) Bogaerts, (Hanley) Ramirez and (Dustin Pedroia) when he comes back (from knee surgery).

“We’re pretty diversified in that regard so I think we’re pretty open-minded to whatever direction takes place. It’s (about) more production. Sometimes, you have seven right-handed hitters, (then) you would definitely want a left-handed hitter. I don’t think that’s the case right now.’’