Which MLB teams would be a good fit for Jackie Bradley Jr. after Red Sox release?
For the second time in two years, Boston Red Sox fans have to say goodbye to Jackie Bradley Jr.
The team shocked fans by designating the former Gold Glove outfielder for assignment on Thursday and releasing him on Friday, officially marking the end of the Killer B’s outfield of Bradley, Mookie Betts, and Andrew Benintendi that was so dominant in the 2010s.
Bradley is officially a free agent, and at 32 years old, the 10-year MLB veteran still has something to offer plenty of teams. Here are three clubs that could give him a shot:
The Phillies were linked to Jackie Bradley Jr. before the trade deadline
The Philadelphia Phillies acquired outfielder Brandon Marsh from the Los Angeles Angels at the deadline, but giving Bradley a chance still makes sense for the defensively-stunted team in the City of Brotherly Love. Bradley is a +3 OAA defender this season, while the Phillies outfield combined has -8 OAA.
Bradley doesn’t really hit well at any ballpark aside from Fenway, but he’s arguably one of the best defensive outfielders in franchise history. The Phillies, who have an abundance of sluggers but a serious lack of defense, could carry him in the lineup and benefit from his glove.
And since Phillies president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski was Boston’s former head honcho for several years of Bradley’s tenure, he’s very familiar with what he does and doesn’t bring to the table. That’s likely why the Phillies were linked to JBJ before the trade deadline, and now, they could get him for next-to-nothing.