Boston Red Sox Report Cards: Jackie Bradley, Jr.
By Tracy Katzke
The BoSox Injection staff reflects on the 2016 season by grading each member of the Boston Red Sox based on expectations for them entering the season.
Selected by the Boston Red Sox as the 40th overall selection in the first round of the 2011 draft, Jackie Bradley progressed through the minor league system at a meteoric pace, reaching the Majors in just two short years. Despite collecting a litany of minor-league awards and accolades, Bradley’s numbers at the Major League level were atrocious.
From April 2013 through July 2015, Bradley had 575 plate appearances at the Major League level. In those plate appearances, he produced a slash line of .191/.264/.274 while hitting just five home runs.
On July 3, 2015, the Red Sox optioned Bradley back to Pawtucket, leaving many fans to question if they had seen the last of JBJ. Red Sox Nation began to wonder if this highly touted prospect was simply improperly evaluated, as he appeared unable to hit at the Major League level.
On July 29, 2015, Bradley returned to Boston with a renewed confidence, and, of far greater importance, a renewed stroke.
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At some point during July 2015, Bradley figured it all out.
In 57 games and 209 plate appearances from August 1, 2015 to the end of the 2015 campaign, Bradley finally showed a glimpse of his enormous potential. In those two months, he produced a slash of .276/.361/.564 while blasting nine Home Runs.
I was thrilled with what I was observing; however, I wondered if such production was sustainable for an entire season. Said question was resoundingly answered with Bradley’s performance throughout the 2016 season.
After Bradley’s enormously successful 2016 campaign, in which he hit .267 with 30 doubles, 7 triples, 26 home runs and 87 RBI, I can state with certainty that JBJ has finally arrived.
Among AL centerfielders, Bradley ranked third in home runs and doubles, while ranking second in RBI and triples.
In addition, Bradley’s 2016 campaign included his first All-Star selection and a 29-game hitting streak.
Along with elite offensive production, as the best center fielder in baseball, Bradley makes an enormous contribution defensively. He led all American League center fielders with 365 putouts, 13 assists, and three double plays turned.
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Even the most optimistic of fans could not have predicted the all-star season authored by Bradley. To claim that he outperformed all expectations would be a monumental understatement.
It is hard to discount his one hit in ten at-bats, along with seven strikeouts, in the Indians sweep of the Red Sox; however, establishing himself as one of the premier center fielders in baseball over the course of a 162-game season unequivocally trumps a tragic three-game exhibition in futility.
Grade: A
What’s Next?
I have heard some people suggest that Bradley should be traded. At 26 years old, heading into his prime, and under team control until 2021, the suggestion is ludicrous. Of course, no player is untouchable; however, it would require an awful lot to consider moving JBJ.
I recognize that his performance tailed off a bit in the second half and he produced one hit in ten at-bats, with seven strikeouts, in the postseason. However, he had a brilliant season nonetheless.
Some people seem to think that gold-glove defenders who can protect the spacious center field at Fenway Park, possess elite throwing arms, are under team control for the next four years and are also capable of hitting 25 HRs just grow on trees.
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I would argue that Bradley was as valuable as just about any Red Sox player was in 2016. Unless the Red Sox brass is swayed by Bradley’s three-game abysmal exhibition in the postseason, I fully expect Bradley to play a major role with the 2017 Boston Red Sox.