Red Sox free-agent Jackie Bradley Jr. wants in on throwing challenge.
Jackie Bradley Jr. has provided us with ample evidence of his strong throwing arm over his years with the Boston Red Sox. Now that he’s a free agent, the former Gold Glove award-winner is looking to showcase his talents for other teams and what better way to do that than by joining a good old fashion throw-off.
This all started when the athletic-driven media company Momentum posed the question of who could throw the ball further – Trevor Bauer or Yasiel Puig. The challenge was endorsed by Rachel Luba, who represents both free agents.
Bauer raised the stakes by claiming he would wear a “Puig throws further” shirt if he loses but Puig would have to wear a “Send it” shirt if Bauer wins.
Bradley Jr. isn’t a Luba client but he doesn’t want to be excluded from this contest, tweeting a response to Bauer that he wants in.
Bauer accepted Bradley Jr. as a worthy adversary while joking that throwing a ball out of Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium is more impressive than throwing it out of the cozy confines of Fenway.
Challenge accepted. As someone who has also thrown a ball out of a big league stadium, you’ll most certainly be a worthy adversary. I would say though, Kauffman is a bit bigger than Fenway haha https://t.co/0swFbuu4Hm
— Trevor Bauer (トレバー・バウアー) (@BauerOutage) November 24, 2020
The comment references Bauer’s infamous incident in 2019 when he was a member of the Cleveland Indians. Bauer launched the ball over the center field fence in frustration after being pulled from a game against the Royals. Cleveland traded the star pitcher to the Cincinnati Reds days later.
So, um Bauer is really reaaaaaally unhappy. Holy cow. 😬#AlwaysRoyal pic.twitter.com/TJDh6ynMOu
— Bally Sports Kansas City (@BallySportsKC) July 28, 2019
Bradley Jr. was quick to remind Bauer that when he did it, his throw came from home plate rather than the pitcher’s mound. During a pregame batting practice in 2014, Bradley Jr. threw a ball from near home plate over the center field wall. That’s nearly 420 feet to the deepest part of Fenway!
Bauer’s throw was as impressive as it was childish but it doesn’t hold a candle to what JBJ did showing off before a game.
That cannon of an arm is something Bradley Jr. has used to benefit the Red Sox over the years. He tied for second in the majors this year with three outfield assists and was second with 10 assists in 2019. His arm is not only strong, but he also has laser accuracy on his throws.
Puig, who sat out the 2020 season and remains a free-agent, is no slouch in that department either. He tallied 10 outfield assists in 2018 with the Dodgers and set a career-high with 15 assists in 2014.
Bauer’s arm strength is measured differently as a pitcher but there’s no denying that the NL Cy Young award-winner knows a thing or two about throwing a baseball.
The Red Sox are in need of an upgrade to their pitching staff and have naturally been linked to Bauer in free agency rumors since he’s the top option on the market. Boston is also leaving the door open for a potential Bradley Jr. return. Puig can probably be scooped up at an affordable cost after going unsigned this year.
All three free agents could conceivably join the same team and make this throwing contest a reality. If it does happen, my money is on Bradley Jr.