Jackie Bradley Jr. attempting MLB comeback
Jackie Bradley Jr. is ready to make another run in MLB. On Thursday, the Long Island Ducks announced they have signed the 33-year-old veteran baseball player to a contract after he missed most of the 2023 season. The Ducks compete in the North Division of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB), an independent “partner league” of MLB.
“Jackie is an exceptional talent with a wealth of experience in the game,” Ducks Manager Lew Ford, said in a statement. “We are excited to add his veteran leadership and skillset at the plate and in the field to our roster.”
Bradley is known for his time with the Boston Red Sox. He played with the team from 2013-2020 and helped the team win a World Series in 2018. That was the same year that Bradley was named ALCS MVP and won his first and only Gold Glove Award. Bradley was also selected to the All-Star team as a member of the Red Sox in 2016.
Before the 2021 season, Bradley signed a contract with the Milwaukee Brewers. He was traded back to the Red Sox after the 2021 season and was with them until August 2022 when the Red Sox released him.
Bradley spent the rest of the 2022 season with the Toronto Blue Jays. In March of last year, Bradley signed with the Royals but was waived in July.
Jackie Bradley Jr. never retired from baseball
In December, Bradley went to social media to refute the report that he has retired from baseball. “So let’s get this cleaned up a little,” Bradley said. “I personally have not officially retired. I may retire, but that has not been decided.”
Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe reported in February that Bradley is open to returning to baseball. “Jackie Bradley Jr. spent time in Miami during the offseason working with Juan Soto on becoming a better outfielder,” he wrote. “Both players are represented by Scott Boras. Bradley, 33, has been a free agent since being released by the Royals last June but is open to returning and has been working out…”
Bradley played college baseball at South Carolina and hit .349 during his freshman year. In 2010, Bradley batted .368 with 13 home runs and 60 RBIs in 67 games. He helped the team win the College World Series that season and was named CWS Most Outstanding Player.