Given the odd quirks and big open spaces of Fenway's CF for 81 games a year, a superb fielding OF'er with speed and good instincts tyo the ball is a huge benefit fr this team. Betts in RF is the best of both worlds with ++ defense and a good bat. With a JDM type in LF carrying the big bat , as with TSW, Yaz, Rice, Manny over the decades, you can afford a lighter bat in CF. If you can get Fred Lynn then so much better.
It would be interesting to get an honest poll of Red Sox pitchers on this topic. Would they want to keep JBJr or go for a lesser fielder who could hit .275+ ?
With the FA markets possibly changing their trend , JBJr may not find a huge payday out there when the time comes. Certainly not a 7-10 year deal. He will be a mulyi-millionaire in any case, Boston extension or otherwise so don't lose too much sleep worrying about his feelings.