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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — One of the Red Sox's "Killer B's" from their 2018 World Series-winning squad is making his return to Fenway.
The Red Sox announced late Wednesday they had acquired Jackie Bradley Jr. and two minor league prospects from the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Hunter Renfroe. In Renfroe's one season with the Red Sox, he hit 31 home runs and 96 RBI along 16 outfield assists.
Bradley Jr. played with the Red Sox from 2013 to 2020, a tenure that included one World Series title, an American League Championship MVP award, a Gold Glove award, and one All-Star Game appearance in 2016. Chief Baseball Officer Chaim Bloom said he's excited about Bradley Jr's return.
"We felt that this was something that made sense for us right now and also has a chance to pay dividends down the road," Bloom said. "Everybody here knows Jackie very well."
Bloom also noted that with the addition of Bradley Jr, the Red Sox have a strong defensive outfield with him and Kiké Hernandez on the roster.
"True centerfielders are hard to find and we feel like we have two of the best at that position," Bloom said. "Both of them have played center and the corner. Jackie obviously did some of that this past year with Milwaukee and it's a nice luxury to have."
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Along with Bradley Jr., the Red Sox acquired Alex Binelas and David Hamilton, two infield prospects from the Brewers. Binelas is 21 and most recently played for the Brewer's low Single-A affiliate. He was ranked as the No. 17 prospect in the Brewer's system.
Hamilton is 24 and spent last season playing with the Brewer's Double-A affiliate. He was ranked as the No. 16 prospect for the Brewers prior to the trade.
In addition to Bradley Jr., the Red Sox have added multiple new faces this offseason, including pitchers James Paxton, Michael Wacha, and Rich Hill. Hill is a native of Milton and played with the Red Sox from 2010 to 2012.
This move also comes as the MLB enters a lockout after negotiations between owners and the player's union over a new collective bargaining agreement stalled.
WBZ's Drew Moholland (@DrewWBZ) has more on the impending lockout.
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