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3 Ideal landing spots for Jackie Bradley Jr. after Red Sox release

By Gabrielle Starr |
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 04: Jackie Bradley Jr. #19 of the Boston Red Sox makes a diving catch on a hit from Brandon Lowe #8 of the Tampa Bay Rays (not pictured) to end the third inning at Tropicana Field on August 04, 2020 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - AUGUST 04: Jackie Bradley Jr. #19 of the Boston Red Sox makes a diving catch on a hit from Brandon Lowe #8 of the Tampa Bay Rays (not pictured) to end the third inning at Tropicana Field on August 04, 2020 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
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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.

May 9, 2022; Anaheim, California, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier (39) catches a fly ball by Los Angeles Angels first baseman Jared Walsh (20) in the second inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
May 9, 2022; Anaheim, California, USA; Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier (39) catches a fly ball by Los Angeles Angels first baseman Jared Walsh (20) in the second inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Jackie Bradley Jr. makes sense for the Tampa Bay Rays

It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Tampa Bay Rays take a flier on the outfielder their former executive, Chaim Bloom, just released.

Kevin Kiermaier is out for the season after undergoing hip surgery at the end of July, Harold Ramirez is recovering from a fractured thumb, and Manuel Margot has been on the 60-Day IL with a right knee sprain since June. As of last week, Margot was running, but Rays manager Kevin Cash “stressed that it’s early in the recovery process.” Their best-case scenario is if he’s able to come back at the end of the month.

Scrambling to fill the field, the Rays signed former Phillies outfielder Roman Quinn at the end of July. He’s already had minor and/or major-league stints with the Miami Marlins, Phillies, and Kansas City Royals this season. They also acquired David Peralta from the Arizona Diamondbacks and Jose Siri from the Houston Astros at the deadline.

Bradley hasn’t hit well at Tropicana Field throughout his career (.169/.235/.246, .481 OPS), but he’s been successful in the postseason, including against the Houston Astros, whom the Rays could face this fall if they hold on to their wild card.

But above all, Bradley would be a logical fit for one of baseball’s cheapest teams because he would barely cost them anything. Since the Sox released him, they are obligated to pay the remainder of his contract, meaning any team that signs him only has to pay him the proration of the minimum salary. No harm in giving him a shot.

Jun 1, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Minnesota Twins right fielder Alex Kirilloff (19) catches a fly ball against the Baltimore Orioles during the third inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 1, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Minnesota Twins right fielder Alex Kirilloff (19) catches a fly ball against the Baltimore Orioles during the third inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports /

Jackie Bradley Jr. could be the answer to the Minnesota Twins’ outfield injury issue

The Minnesota Twins’ outfield is barren thanks to several injuries. Their depth chart – or lack thereof – has Alex Kirilloff, Trevor Larnach, Max Kepler, and Kyle Garlick all on the 10-Day Injured List.

Target Field is one of many ballparks where Bradley struggles to hit (.170/.267/.302, .569 OPS over 15 games), but if they need another Gold Glover in the outfield with Byron Buxton, there’s no harm in giving JBJ a chance.

Honorable mention: Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles acquired Brett Phillips from the Rays at the deadline, but if they hadn’t, they could’ve gotten Bradley for pennies.

Bradley struggles to hit at almost every MLB ballpark, but Camden Yards is the rare exception. In 54 career games there, he’s hit 12 home runs.

And then, of course, there’s this catch, one of the best moments in JBJ’s extensive defensive highlight reel:

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