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SF Giants: Three Reasons to Pursue Outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr.

Nick San Miguel
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 04: Jackie Bradley Jr. #19 of the Boston Red Sox at bat during the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on September 04, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Blue Jays defeat the Red Sox 8-7. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 04: Jackie Bradley Jr. #19 of the Boston Red Sox at bat during the seventh inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park on September 04, 2020 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Blue Jays defeat the Red Sox 8-7. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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SF Giants, Mauricio Dubón
Mauricio Dubón #1 of the SF Giants makes a diving catch taking a hit away from Vimael Machin #39 of the Oakland Athletics in the top of the ninth inning at Oracle Park on August 16, 2020 in San Francisco, California. The Athletics won the game 15-3. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Reason #1: SF Giants Center Field Depth

The Giants had several starting center fielders in 2020, starting with Mike Yastrzemski and by the end of the year largely settling on Mauricio Dubon. Yaz was serviceable in center, but Dubon was impressive with his speed in the outfield and got more comfortable in the position as the season progressed.

However, even though Dubon was solid with his bat, hitting .274/.337/.389 with 4 home runs and 19 RBI, and effective in the outfield, it is unclear whether the Giants see him as the starting center fielder of the future.

We know that he can play up the middle at second base and shortstop, and with Brandon Crawford possibly reaching the end of his tenure as a Giant, the team may see Dubon as the starting shortstop of the future or maybe even a super-utility player who can play almost anywhere.

Other than Dubon, Yaz is really the only other Giant currently on the MLB roster who the team would be comfortable starting in center. He did fine in the role last season, but he lacks the speed of Dubon and seemed to be more comfortable in right field.

If the Giants signed Bradley, he would provide the team with a true, experienced center fielder who would provide a steady presence in the outfield and would solidify Yaz in right field while allowing the Giants to get creative with how they use Dubon.

We know that the modern game puts a premium on flexibility, and signing Bradley would give the Giants options elsewhere.

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