UPDATE: The Boston Red Sox officially announced Thursday that they’ve released Jackie Bradley Jr., hours after it was reported that he had been designated for assignment.
The Boston Red Sox are designating outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. for assignment, according to Julian McWiliams of the Boston Globe Thursday morning. Per McWilliams, the team is now “riding with Jarren Duran” as their center fielder.
Despite an unsuccessful second stint with the Red Sox, Bradley will be best remembered for his performance in the 2018 postseason. He hit two home runs, drove in nine runs, and posted a 1.067 OPS in the American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros, earning ALCS MVP honors. He also hit a game-tying home run in the eighth inning of Game 3 of the World Series against the Dodgers. The Red Sox ultimately lost that game in an 18-inning marathon, but ended up winning the World Series.
His best offensive season came in 2016, when he batted .267 with 26 home runs, 87 RBIs, and an .835 OPS. He earned his lone All-Star nod that year. But Bradley will, of course, be most remembered for his defense, including a Gold Glove win in 2018.
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(Click here to subscribe to The Baseball Hour with Tony Mazz.)Bradley signed a two-year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers before the 2021 season, before coming back to Boston via trade before 2022. The Red Sox swapped outfielder Hunter Renfroe for Bradley, who batted just .210 with a .578 OPS in 91 games.
After designating Bradley for assignment, the Red Sox have 10 days to find a trade partner or place him on waivers. The move allows them to remove Bradley from the main roster while they seek a deal. It’s possible a team may have interest in Bradley as a defensive specialist in the outfield.
The Red Sox recently acquired outfielder Tommy Pham from the Cincinnati Reds prior to the 2022 major league trade deadline. To accommodate the longtime left fielder, Alex Verdugo shifted to right field on Wednesday night in Pham’s debut. Duran started in center field.
Boston lost 6-1 to Houston Wednesday night, snapping a three-game winning streak. Trade deadline addition Eric Hosmer is expected to join the team in Kansas City to face his former team.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. You can also email him at [email protected].
