While it wasn’t the splashy pre-deadline acquisition fans were hoping for, the Mets added a longtime major leaguer to bolster their outfield.
Jackie Bradley Jr., an 11-year pro who last played in the major leagues with the Royals in 2023, is now a candidate after buying out his contract from the independent Long Island Ducks on Tuesday. The Ducks announced Bradley would be assigned to Triple-A Syracuse.
The 34-year-old has been a reliable outfielder since breaking into the MLB with the Red Sox in 2013, earning an All-Star selection in 2016 and winning a Gold Glove in 2018.
He’s been bouncing around here and there since 2021, but returned from the majors this season and recorded a .471 batting average over a 28-game hitting streak with the Ducks.
The Mets’ outfield depth took a hit when Trayce Thompson opted out of his minor league contract earlier this month.
The left-handed hitter Bradley could be an option for a team that hasn’t seen much production from lefties Ben Gamel and DJ Stewart while Starling Marte is on the disabled list.
