Just a week after deadline for trades has passed. The Blue Jays continue adding to their roster. Chris Costillo at MassLive.com and Zeke Telemco at WEEI reported. They told that the Jays were near to the signing of Jackie Bradley Jr. That is, to an MLB agreement for the rest of the season. While I was writing this, it was announced that the Blue Jays made the move officially.
A former first-rounder from the Red Sox back in 2011. Bradley Jr. spent the better part of the span of eight years in Boston. Hence, prior to signing for the Milwaukee Brewers during the 2020 off season. It was a two-year contract that was worth $24 million. He played for one season with the Brew Crew. However, was traded back to Boston in a deal which included outfielder Hunter Renfroe move from the other direction. Jays fans may recall how the team’s front office had been preparing to trade Randal Grichuk. Obviously, over to Brewers to trade for JBJ before he was sent home to Boston. Grichuk was to be traded following his lockout with Colorado Rockies. Colorado Rockies in exchange for Raimel Tapia and prospect Adrian Pinto.
The 2022 season hasn’t been favourable for Bradley Jr., as the lefty batter has an .210/.257/.321 Slash line in 271 innings, and an .578 OPS. Bradley Jr. also has 22 extra-base hits for the season including 29, RBI and two bases stolen. In the defensive department, JBJ spent much of the season at right-field, where he’s recorded a 7 bDRS, while being able to throw 170.2 innings in centre field, with an -2 bDRS. He’ll likely be assigned the bench once JBJ joins the team.
The Blue Jays added some depth to their outfield with the name of ex- Boston Red Sox outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. Jackie Bradley Jr. will be joining via the team on an MLB deal.
In order to make space to accommodate Bradley Jr. on the 40-man roster left-handed pitcher Matt Peacock was designated for assignment. Otto Lopez was optioned back to AAA and a place was created in the roster for JBJ on the roster in addition to. It is now the Blue Jays will now have five outfielders on their roster, which includes Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Raimel Tapia, Teoscar Hernandez as well as Bradley Zimmer with a sixth outfielder named George Springer currently on the IL due to elbow pain. Whit Merrifield is also able to play in the middle field, if required and Cavan Biggio at the corners.