Chicago Cubs largely quiet on Day One of the Winter Meetings

Conflicting reports coming out of Boston regarding Jackie Bradley Jr.

Monday morning, rumors indicated Boston could be open to shopping Jackie Bradley Jr. In return, the Red Sox were reportedly seeking a power bat – a la Javier Baez or Kyle Schwarber.

Later in the evening, Dave Dombrowski denied that the team was shopping Bradley. Still, it brings the spotlight to the reigning AL East champions. This club fought off the Yankees, only to see their rival bring in one of the most feared hitters in the game before the Winter Meetings even opened.

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Boston has to answer in some way. Whether that’s adding big via free agency or pulling off a blockbuster of their own, the Red Sox have work to do. As far as connecting them to the Cubs, things make very little sense.

Any big trades involving prime position players on the North Side will focus around pitching – not an outfielder. The team boasts Albert Almora Jr. in center field already – and, by most measures, he was a better offensive player than Bradley last season. JBJ had him with the leather, but, as we’ve talked about before, Almora is going to be an elite defender.

Don’t go to bed expecting a bombshell deal between these two teams. On paper, I can’t make it make sense. The Cubs have bigger needs – and what Boston reportedly shopped doesn’t make any sense.