The Milwaukee Brewers signed outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr (JBJ) to a two year contract in March of 2021. His deal was for two years and $24.00 MM. Prior to that he had spent his entire career with the Boston Red Sox, was an All-Star in 2016, a 2018 World Series Champion, and was as gold glove winner in 2018.
Unfortunately his first and only season with the Brewers did not go well. Defensively he was sharp as ever, but offensively he had one of the worst offensive seasons ever as over 134 games he slashed .163/.236/.261 with a 35 OPS+. Following that 2021 season David Stearns magically pulled off a trade that sent him back to Boston.
Hour before Major League Baseball initiated a lockout David Stearns dealt Jackie Bradley Jr, David Hamilton, and Alex Binelas to the Red Sox in exchange for Hunter Renfroe. Hunter Renfroe also spent one year in Milwaukee before being traded to the Los Angeles Angels for Elvis Peguero, Janson Junk, and Adam Seminaris.
Unfortunately for JBJ a return to Boston did not bust him out of his slump at the plate and he was released by the Red Sox that summer. The Toronto Blue Jays ended up giving him an opportunity for the remainder of the 2022 season and then he spent a portion of 2023 with the Kansas City Royals. Now it appears he may be ready to hang up the cleats.
Jackie Bradley Jr, a former Milwaukee Brewers outfielder and gold glove winner with the Boston Red Sox, is reportedly expected to retire.
MLB Insider and baseball columnist Jon Heyman indicated in a recent publication that Jackie Bradley Jr is expected to retire. If true the excellent defender will finish with 11 big league seasons and just over eight years of big league service time. He is 33 years old and at this point is best utilized as a defensive replacement.
No official word has come from Jackie Bradley Jr, so for now he remains a free agent. It is possible that he may be waiting to see if he gets any offers. If that is the case then an official announcement may not be made until spring or shortly after Opening Day.
Dive into the captivating journey of Jackie Bradley Jr., from his impactful tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers to his speculated retirement. Explore his career highlights, including his time with the Boston Red Sox and other MLB teams. For more comprehensive coverage and the latest updates, visit our Milwaukee Brewers News section.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Jackie Bradley?
Jackie Bradley Jr. experienced a notable transition in his career as he parted ways with the Red Sox and signed a two-year contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. His move puzzled many when he was traded back to the Red Sox before the 2022 season, only to be released that August.
Where is Jackie Bradley Jr playing in 2023?
In the 2023 MLB season, outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. signed a minor league deal with the Kansas City Royals. Known for his defensive prowess, Bradley offers valuable depth to the organization's roster.