ESPN writer gives Red Sox stellar grade for signing of Jake Bauers

Jake Bauers. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

ESPN writer gives Red Sox stellar grade for signing of Jake Bauers

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Nov 14, 2026 1:28 PM ET

Following the acquisition of free agent Jake Bauers by the Boston Red Sox, ESPN's David Schoenfield has graded the team with an ''A'' as the move enhances their roster.

Boston acquired the Milwaukee Brewers' 2026 NLCS MVP on Friday via a four-year deal worth $58 million following a 2026 breakout campaign that illustrated his peak value.

Bauers earned NLCS MVP by driving in six runs and posting a remarkable .983 OPS that helped sweep the defending champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers. According to Schoenfield, Bauers' stellar performance this season was far from an accident.

“Bauers will be entering his age-31 season, and, of course, spent years struggling in the majors before finally figuring things out, so while there would generally be concern that his 2026 season was a fluke, all the advanced metrics suggest the opposite.''

Red Sox's acquisition of Jake Bauers garnering praise

The signing is considered a high-upside investment for Boston as his .389 on-base percentage ranked third in all of MLB. As well, Bauers set career highs with a .266 batting average, 26 home runs, 86 RBI along with 94 walks, 127 hits and a .874 OPS.

But his advanced metrics say it all as they demonstrate his impressive Cinderella success story that helped lead the Brewers to their first World Series in franchise history.

Bauers illustrated elite plate discipline, ranking in the 98th percentile with a 16.3% walk rate. In addition, he ranked in the 93rd percentile in bat speed (76.5 mph), 92nd percentile with a 14% barrel rate and in the 94th percentile with a 51.9% hard-hit rate.

Boston snagged the versatile left-handed hitter, who is both a first baseman and outfielder, on a cost-effective deal worth $14.5 million per season.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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