All offseason we were wondering if Jackie Bradley Jr. would be returning to the Red Sox, and if Jackie Bradley Jr. had played his last game in a Red Sox uniform. We learned this morning that the beloved outfielder no longer be a part of the Red Sox, which was first reported by Julian McWilliams of the Boston Globe.
Bradley, 30, has spent parts of 8 years with the Red Sox. Starting in 2013 after being drafted in 2011. Bradley played just 37 games in 2013. He made the Opening Day Roster of the World Series winning team, but would bounce around between AAA Pawtucket and Boston. Jackie then played his first full season with the Red Sox in 2014 playing 127 games.
Bradley Jr.’s best season came in 2016, where he had a 29 game hit streak, slashing .267/.349/.486 with 26 home runs. As well as a 118 wRC+, and a 5.3 fWAR, and his first and only All-Star Appearance. From 2017-2019, Bradley Jr. hit just .234, slashing .234/.318/.409 with 51 home runs across 424 games. Bradley would win the 2018 ALCS MVP with three big home runs during the series. And additionally would win a ring with the Red Sox that year along with his first career Gold Glove.
Bradley’s 2020 was very solid, as in 55 games he slashed .283/.364/.450 with 7 home runs.
Bradley played stellar defense in Centerfield as well in each year. He was in the 98th percentile of OAA (Outs Above Average) or above in 3 out of the last 4 years since the stat was created in 2017.
Bradley’s deal with Milwaukee is worth $24M across the two years, and Bradley’s 8 year tenure with the Red Sox is officially over. Just 17 months ago the Red Sox had the best outfield in baseball. Now the entire outfield is gone.
“I put a lot of belief in myself, and that’s second to none,” Bradley said. “I’m always going to believe in myself more than anybody believes in me. And I had some great times too. Great Moments. And that’s things that I will never forget.”
“It’s been a great ride.”