The Boston Red Sox made a somewhat controversial decision on Friday.
After trading for outfielder Tommy Pham, they designated fan favorite Jackie Bradley Jr. for assignment.
He was no longer expected to start after the Red Sox brought in Pham from the Cincinnati Reds on a deadline trade.
However, the 32-year-old Bradley probably saw the writing on the wall after slashing .210/.257/.321 with just three home runs and two stolen bases in 91 games this season for Boston.
The team still owes him a lot of money (he has an $8 million buyout on his $12 million mutual option for 2023.
The most likely scenario is that nobody claims him with that financial commitment looming.
If he doesn’t accept an assignment to Triple-A Worcester, he will likely become a free agent.
Fans Won’t Forget What Bradley Did For Boston
Offensive struggles aside, fans won’t forget what he did for the franchise.
The Boston Globe’s Alex Speier wrote about Bradley’s legacy.
“Bradley’s legacy with the Sox should be that of elite defense, 2018 ALCS MVP, the first player to reach the big leagues in the core that led to that 2018 title, and one of the best human beings to play for the Red Sox. An incredible number of people have had not just positive but exceptional experiences when meeting Bradley through the years. He was a remarkable ambassador for the Red Sox,” he wrote.
…to play for the Red Sox. An incredible number of people have had not just positive but exceptional experiences when meeting Bradley through the years. He was a remarkable ambassador for the Red Sox.
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) August 4, 2022
Bradley may not be an above-average hitter, but he is a superb defensive center fielder who was perhaps the best in the game during his prime.
He will also be remembered for his contributions to the 2018 championship win.
He will likely have to play for another franchise.
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