We’ve heard a fair bit of chatter surrounding free agent center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr., who has been linked to a variety of potential suitors. To this point, though, it hasn’t been clear what sort of contract he might command.
It seems Bradley and agent Scott Boras are hoping to leverage strong demand into a much longer deal than might have been anticipated. Bradley is “seeking a significant contract, perhaps beyond four years,” sources tell Mike Puma of the New York Post (via Twitter).
Reaching a contract of that duration would be quite the achievement, particularly in this market. Bradley is a quality performer who’d fit quite a few rosters, but there was little reason entering the winter to think he’d have a shot at a deal past two or three guaranteed seasons. MLBTR predicted a two-year, $16MM pact.
To be fair, Bradley is the type of player who seems likely to remain useful for a lengthy stretch. He’s a glove-first, left-handed-hitting outfielder who’ll likely have a late-career role as a fourth outfielder even once he’s deemed incapable of handling everyday duties in center.
That said, we’re talking about a soon-to-be-31-year-old player with a lifetime .239/.321/.412 batting line. Bradley is a very good defender and baserunner but mostly profiled as a solid regular rather than a star with the Red Sox. He was at his best in an injury-shortened 2020, though it’s hard to believe teams will put too much weight on his BABIP-boosted 120 wRC+ after three-straight campaigns of below-average output with the bat.
Whether there’s any realistic hope of a four — (or more?) — year pact isn’t yet clear. Perhaps it’s plausible if Bradley is willing to take a lesser average annual value. If nothing else, the fact that Boras is evidently tossing around such figures just weeks before Spring Training would seem to speak to the level of market interest in Bradley.
Budlight Selig
5 yr/25 mil for the Indians. Only because they’re that desperate for OF help.
PeteWard8
Gary Sanchez .200 batting average the last three seasons.
yankees28 2
1 yr and still hits lots of hrs for a catcher so worth the risk
gson
as a catcher, Sanchez makes a good DH..
bigdaddyt
Per year? Boras that you brah?
tribepride17
No, thanks. I’d be happy with if it were for one year but not long term.. I don’t see it being likely either. They signed Eddie Rosario and have a ton of guys they want to get another look at like Naylor, Mercado, Zimmer, Bauers and Luplow. Bradley Zimmer is very good defensively and has more upside than JBJ.
Murphy NFLD
Yea my thoughts to if its 5 years its 35mil or less and more like 25-27.5
Murphy NFLD
Now that i think about it that may be his best bet. If he keeps hitting like he has in 3 years or so hes going to start slowing down and get minor league deals, look at kevin pillar
Marty McRae
That’s too low, 5/50 is realistic.
Funny how everyone all about the 2020 stat lines until it comes to JBJ – 2.1 WAR in 55 games = 6.1 over 162. He hit extremely well last year, yet all he is getting on here is hate. Hmm, I wonder why…
baseballpun
“He was at his best in an injury-shortened 2020, though it’s hard to believe teams will put too much weight on his BABIP-boosted 120 wRC+ after three-straight campaigns of below-average output with the bat.”
Cubsforever22
Lol exactly! Funny how that works huh?
tribepride17
@Marty McRae.
People say that about Bauer on here almost constantly. I wonder why..
Barkerboy
Are you going to tell us why Marty?
gwell55
Mainly Jackie has one or two hit streaks that he is superb but they are short and in a full season he has way to many slumps.. watch him his whole career and that has never changed. Last year in the short season he got lucky and hit his two hot streaks so the higher average.
bravesfan88
If people are using a player’s 2020 stats, it is likely because that player’s stats were part of a trend that were either rising or falling..
JBJ all of a sudden had a breakout season with the bat after a couple very subpar seasons offensively…
THAT IS WHY!! And for no other reason, other than maybe some Red Sox haters or something..If you want to throw out innuendos about race, that’s absolutely stupid, ridiculous, and it just shows you’re the one who has racism on the front of your brain.
I really wish people would stop making everything about race, especially when race has NOTHING to do with the subject or topic at hand. You do realize all youre doing is causing more of a divide and creating more tension unnecessarily..
Go on somewhere with all that, this isn’t the place, and it certainly has nothing to do with why people might think JBJ’s 2020 season was likely an outlier rather than a strong predictor of continuing his previous success…
If you really want your answer look at his BABIP from last season, and PLEASE then honestly tell me that would be sustainable over another full season…
Mystery Team
Well said bravesfan I was hoping that wasn’t what martymcrae was talking about but sadly I think he was. Bradley is simply not a good hitter and never has been except for a few small streaks here and there. MLB teams don’t hand out five year deals to players like that. He’s a great glove but the glove will only take you so far in contract negotiations. He’ll be lucky to get two years.
its_happening
It could only be sustainable if he is benched against lefties. Even then that would be a tough task for JBJ. But he should not face lefty pitching which “should” hurt his value.
JoeBrady
His splits are not outrageous. He is at .752/.685 for his career. That’s much better than the average lefty, who has a .718/.635 last year.
Mjshof
Lol they be high af to do that
gronk
Still waiting Marty. Spell it out.
Hudson6
I seem to remember the Red Sox picked up JBJ’s $11 million option with the hopes of trading him last year. Nobody wanted him at that price. Now he is supposedly worth a 5 year contract at that same rate?
JoeBrady
They picked up his option because he is a very good CF, and they had no substitute.
Sometimes a banana is just a banana.
bravesfan
Wish the Indians would take a flier on Ender from the Braves. Cheap, plays good defensive, but gosh he’s just turned took himself from a decent hitter and a brutally bad one. Like… take him, Braves eat 25-50% of his salary, y’all throw us like your 30th rank prospect in rookie ball lol … heck, maybe we will even throw in a ptbnl lol
hockeyjohn
The Indians have no need for Ender, another outfielder that can’t hit. Ender at 50% percent of his contract is still overpaid.
bravesfan
Lol. Ok ok…. I really can’t disagree. He’s basically contracted at 10 mil next year. 8.7 next year with a 1.2 buyout for 2022, which has to be exercised. That means, the to divide that contract, Braves would need to eat 5 mil this year. I think Ender at 3.7 mil this year is a reasonable contract. He should over perform that value more often than not. So even as a bench bat, that would make a lot of sense for a guy who’s solid in the outfield and isn’t terrible on the base (although I think he’s overvalued as a base runner and isn’t as fast as Braves fans make out).
hockeyjohn
Look elsewhere, Bravesfan, the Indians are not going to be a dumping ground for a bad contract, especially post covid-19. They would not have any interest in Inciarte or pay $5M for a lousy bench bat. Remember the buyout would have to be paid as well.
hockeyjohn
The Indians are not that desperate. No chance that the Indians get involved with Bradley.
iverbure
Indians said they went above and beyond their budget for Rosario. They aren’t adding a guy on a 5 year contract. To even suggest something is ridiculous.
Ssoltys5
Biggest problem with JBJ offensively is his approach. When he looks to go opposite field, he’s a good hitter. Problem is, he usually doesnt.
DakotaJoe
the Tribe is not committing $25m to a player who could go south at his age at any time.
okbud
Boras screwing him out of a contract
iverbure
Yeah he seems to do that with one client per year. He’ll drag it out and bring up the collusion word. Maybe him and Arrieta would cry and stomp their feet like children again this offseason that was funny. Did it the same day after the Phillies signed him in 2018 basically insulting the Phillies. Arrieta then pitched to nearly a 5 era in his time in philly.
Cosmo2
Yea the whole “pay me more than I’m likely to actually be worth or I’ll scream ‘collusion’”narrative is getting old.
1984wasntamanual
There are a lot of stupid fans that will parrot it Puts pressure on owners to avoid the scrutiny and deflect from his failure.
Jaa1968
That is what he gets for having Boras as an agent! Nobody wants to deal with him
JohnJasoJingleHeimerSchmidt
That’s a bit over-the-top. There are Boras clients on almost every team. In fact, from what I could find, there was only one team without a Boras client, currently: San Francisco. But they’ve also signed Denard Span in the past and went after Bryce Harper.
The reality is: this is just Boras’ schtick. Most of the teams don’t fall for it, and they sign the player because they want him, nor don’t sign him because he’s not worth the price tag.
I find Boras to be obnoxious, but teams aren’t paying attention to the comments he makes to the media.
VanLingleMungo89
Stephen Drew says “Hey”.
partyatnapolis
good luck with that
Phantom X
Show you can hit the ball and people will talk. JBJ is a bench bat/late inning defensive replacement
GCarbs
Let’s just ignore the fact that he had a 120 wrc+ last year because it’s fun to ride the “JBJ can’t hit bandwagon”
Phantom X
In 55 games. I won’t count last year because it wasn’t a full season, and he’s shown lack of offensive consistency since his call up.
DTDATL
It’s not a bandwagon when his career backs it up.
Cosmo2
Career 94 OPS+ for JBJ. Not really that good.
tribepride17
You can go off his 55 games last year. Smart teams will weigh his 800 games before that more though.
Rsox
Actually we should ignore the sample size of last season both good and bad on all players.
Bottom line is JBJ is a slightly better hitting Billy Hamilton without the speed; great with a glove but most times shouldn’t be allowed to hit for himself
Cubsforever22
No matter how much u might dislike the guy, calling him a bench bat only is just ignorance.
Phantom X
It’s not about disliking him, I’m stating relevant facts. He can’t hit.
Cubsforever22
Hits well enough to be your everyday cf on a lot of good teams. As he has done his whole career basically. Had his best year last year even if you want to slightly devalue it due to shorter schedule. His cf d is practically second to none as well.
AstrosWS20
He’s a very good CFer but I’d hardly call his D second to none. He’ll get a contract for that in spite of his awful hitting.
PutPeteRoseInTheHall
Late inning defense replacement? He has one of the best CF gloves in the MLB
padam
So you’re agreeing with the statement…
iverbure
While I don’t think he’s worth a 5 year deal, I don’t think he’s a 4th OF either. CF is one position you can choose to have a great defender and live with whatever production he gives you. Defence usually declines in a players 30s. When you have a limited offensive potential the margin for error is even less. Not to mention a injury like a knee would cripple any value he has.
JohnJasoJingleHeimerSchmidt
The problem with that argument is: most teams have a dozen glove-first CF, and most don’t choose to start them.
Eventually, you need the guy to hit. Exhibit A: Billy Hamilton.
For what it’s worth, I don’t think JBJ is bad, and his bat plays *just enough* to keep him as a starter, especially if they can get him on base a bit more.
tjmacari
My favorite articles – “Player X is seeking the best contract he can get”
MoRivera 1999
That’s not what the article says. What it says is he’s looking for a long-term contract of four or more years. For a JBJ level player, for whom you’d be thinking maybe a two-year contract, that’s news.
BadlyBent
I’m also seeking a long term contract. Also, not news.
ukpadre
And we all wish you the best of luck in that endeavour. Hopefully you can get hired for the night, instead of just for the hour…
WillieMaysHayes24
You talk from experience…
MrMet86
There goes another Boras client signing when Spring Training is up and running.
bigdaddyt
Well then I’m glad the jays signed Springer instead then
Rob66
The wrong type to give a long term contract
Flyby
at best I can even reasonably give is 4/48. This is based on Brett Gardner highest contract earned is 4/52 and i cant put Jackie to be as good as Brett and i gave the contract a slight bump up for inflation and such. I really think he is more a 4 / 40 if he wants that length and to get it done quickly.
Phantom X
You’re overpaying him. Lol. Can’t use Brett as your template. Brett is a better hitter and baserunner. His defense waned a little, but he’s still worth more. I’m not counting 2020, btw. Skewed stats because of a short season.
Flyby
I agree he is not Brett but Bretts contract was 5 or 6 years ago so i upped it a mil or two a year.from what he would have been worth then which i think is 4/40 to get this done and over with quick with 4/48 is more the hail mary Boras is looking for. .4/40 i think is reasonable considering i think marsnick was 6 or 7. and Bradley has a potential upside and a better glove which certain teams like the Mets need for CF and to be an everyday player.
If the mets do get him though thats one hell of a logjam they have infield and outfield if there is no dh.
Marty McRae
5/50 front-loaded seems like a good deal. At worst you play him everyday for 2 years then you get a good 4th OF for the last 3. Best case is he hits and is an all-star every year.
Historically his best parks (highest OPS in 20+ AB) have been:
ATL, PHI, CLE, BAL, MIA and CWS
Put him on any of those teams and he will probably be a good deal.
Rangers29
Baltimore on a long term deal is particularly intriguing…
dan55
The problem with this analysis is that Bradley has never been able to hit. He does play good defense, but giving him $50 million is a massive overpay.
gbs42
dan55 – “analysis” is quite the generous description. Looking at sample sizes of 20 AB to draw any sort of conclusion is folly.
smuzqwpdmx
JBJ is worth more than Randall Grichuk, who also can’t hit but can’t catch either. Grichuk’s 5 year / $52M should be considered a baseline, considering that was signed when Grichuk had two arbitration years left and no leverage.
$10M/year these days is low for any free agent you expect to be able to play every day, even if he’s below average.
melochejohn
As dumb as the Grichuk contact is that was an extension to buy out arbitration and a few FA years from ages 27-31. The Jays were betting on his upside as a power hitter. Power hitters also get paid a lot more in arbitration. Sadly Randal kept being Randal and that contract is a bust. However much different than a FA who will be playing in his age 31 season in year one of the deal. Randal would be getting 1 year at 5-8M if he was a FA
Joe Carters walkoff
Grichuk was on pace for 33+ homers each of the last 3 seasons. Far from a bust at that salary
melochejohn
The Jays have paid him $22M per WAR on his new contract. Being on pace means nothing. The guy once has broken 30 HR in a season. He can hit HR and when he gets hot he looks great but as always he follows it with horrid slumps. He is around a league average hitter (105 ops+ with the Jays) and I think he is fine in RF but was not a good CF. Doesn’t hit for average or get on base either. He probably now has lost his starting role to Teo.
Joe Carters walkoff
Which is concerning considering Teo is horrible defensively. He’d be my primary DH if we didn’t have so many bodies to get into games. Vlad, Tellez, biggio
Joe Carters walkoff
Also hes averaged 1 war each of last 3 seasons and only gets paid 9.3 million. Im not sure where your 22 million war average comes from lmao
melochejohn
Teo’s defense actually took a big step forward in 19-20. If you do a dive into his metrics vs Randal its a lot closer than most would assume. The problem with Teo is he makes very obvious blunders but is pretty fast and make routine ones or botches a routine one. Randal does not have as much range and makes it look professional, despite the fact he just does not get to as many. I have done very long comps between them and I think a lot of people look back at that run in 2018 where Teo was horrific. However moving him back to CF in 19 improved him, cause he is a more natural CF, he actually I believe is better than Randal in CF and the metricks back it.
Teo will see time at DH but I believe there is enough to go around that Randal could still see 400 ab between injuries, days off and starts with a good amount of that coming in RF.
melochejohn
Based on his new contract which started in 19. He has 0.8 WAR in 19 & 20 seasons combined at a cost of 18M and adjusted per 1 WAR which he does not have. Compare that to Pillar who we sent packing in favour of Randal who has produced at a cost of 5.2M per WAR
Randal had 2.1 WAR in 2018 and then got the extension. Now he has 31/3 left and likely has lost his starting job and is most likely a 0.5-1.5 WAR player.
Joe Carters walkoff
And if you eliminate his 0.5 war of 2019, he was on pace for just under 2 war last year. Along the lines of his 2015-2018 numbers where he averaged around 2.2 war per season. Regardless i have no issues with him at his 9.3 million salary for the next 3 seasons. Its great to have that depth. Some people are just born negative and half glass empty types. Im not one of them. I prefer to find the positives. Some hunt for the negative
melochejohn
You have a funny way of averaging numbers. He is being paid 10.3M each of next 3 years.
You can not simply add or remove parts of his seasons to make the numbers look better.
In his first 3 seasons with STL he had WAR of 3.1, 2.5, 0.7 If you want you can include 0.1 in his first showing as a rookie,
As a Blue Jay his 3 seasons have gone 2.3, 0.4, 0.4
2020 is of course a complicated one. Much of his issue is the hot and cold. So at times he looked to be on pace for a 2+ WAR season but as normal he came way down. So I can not suggest he would have produced 1.5-2 WAR in 2020 due to the his ongoing dramatic hot/cold cycles
Another way to look at this is 1 0f last 4 seasons he has a WAR over 1. Hard to call him a 2 WAR player on average.
Joe Carters walkoff
Just answer me this…what is he getting paid. Is he getting paid 22 million a year? No, no he he is not. There’s 100 worse contracts then Grichuks out there. For much more money and for term. Im fine with what hes making. Im not the multi billion dollar corporation paying him either. Id rather have Grichuk AND his contract then say Giancarlo Stantons
Joe Carters walkoff
Were obviously getting our numbers at different places. Because yours dont match fangraphs. Regardless, like i said, im fine with it. Some people love to hate and argue. Im done lol. Better things to do with my time then argue. Because i just dont enjoy it like others seem to. For me im fine with Randal Grichuk !!
melochejohn
Your original comment was he was “on pace for 33 HR” each of the past 3 years so his contract was not a bust. I pointed out that one he has never hit 33 HR and only once exceeded 30 in his career. So “being on pace” is not what he actually has done. Which was in response to how I was pointing out you can not really compare his contract to JBJ.
Further I explained that when you look at his production vs compensation the Jays have paid him 22M per WAR. You will see costs per war between 7-10M thrown out around here.
I am pointing out that his contract so far has been not very good and we have paid over 18M for not a good player. Additionally it seems clear he is not considered a core part of the team and is likely traded or a 4th OF/semi regular.
He also could make a bonus of 1-2M based on PA and at this rate they will not be giving him them. So its fair to conclude that paying 10+M to a bench player is not great value.
At no point did I suggest his contract was the worst in the league or even close. I simply pointed out that when you look at production vs contract his deal has been in fact a bust. Randal is long past the “he might be good” projections.
He is a 7 year vet who gets hot/cold can hit HR but only once hit over 30, can not get on base or hit for average, has okay defense and is a good 4th OF but not a regular on a good team.
BTW as a bench/role player who hits 7-8 in the Jays lineup when he plays I have no issue with it. Just glad he likely won’t likely be a top of the order bat anymore that is a fixture everyday.
melochejohn
I was using bRef for WAR but the career totals are pretty close overall on WAR. Only a hair different.
Rsox
Braves need a LF with some power. Phillies, maybe. Indians/Orioles only if he can be had dirt cheap. Marlins have Marte. White Sox have Robert.
Mjshof
Lol they be high af to do that
HalosHeavenJJ
You’re saying he hit Baltimore’s pitching well? I’m shocked, ha ha.
Also means he hit Cleveland’s staff well.
Joeypower
Is that pesos we talking about?
Rangers29
*In my best Hank Hill impression* …*cough* *cough* …HWHY!
Marty McRae
He was a 6 WAR player last year (over 162), he’s good at baseball?
DTDATL
No he wasn’t because we can’t predict 4 more months, especially when his babip was way above his career high.
Rangers29
The only time he’s ever had over a 5 WAR (fWAR) was in 2016 where he compiled a 5.3 mark over 156 games. He’s had a wRC+ over 100 only 3 times in his career and that was in 2015, 2016, and in the shortened 2020 season. His BABIP last season – get this – jumped from .281 in 2019, to .343 in 2020! Not only is that the highest mark in his career, but that is an entire .031 higher than the next highest total in his career which was 2016 (his best offensive season)! Now you may say that BABIP doesn’t tell the whole story -which it doesn’t – but what’s alarming is that even though his BABIP rose, his EV dropped from 90.1 in 2019 to 88.3 in 2020. Oh, and his launch angle fell from 9.3 degrees in 2019 to 4.4 in 2020! That is an easy liner to an infielder. They might even bend over to catch it! So he was getting luckier… on worse contact? Not a good mix. He is also 30. To sign an inconsistent hitting 30 year old defensive center-fielder long term is a death wish.
I wouldn’t do it. Nope.
GCarbs
EV and launch angle doesn’t tell the whole story either. Lemahieu had a 2.3 LA and Tim Anderson had a low EV and LA with a high BABIP. These guys can hit despite their “bad” or less than optimal statcast numbers.
dan55
Bradley is a much different player from Lemahieu or Anderson. Both those guys have proven that they can maintain high enough contact numbers to sustain their offense over a full season. Bradley has never demonstrated that.
JohnJasoJingleHeimerSchmidt
OHHH, so metrics matter when we’re not talking about players from our beloved teams?
Got it.
dan55
Well, that explains why he hasn’t signed with a team yet. I would be shocked if anyone gave him a significant contract.
Marty McRae
2.1 WAR in 55 games last year means nothing to do you, huh?
baseballpun
JBJ may be undervalued but this a terrible, terrible argument you keep repeating.
WillieMaysHayes24
Most of his arguments carry the same weight. Yet, he always thinks he’s right about every single subject. He’s really just a race mongering troll who is miserable and wants to bring others down to his level. Sad.
dan55
He was good last year, but that was boosted by a babip that played 40 points over his career average. He averaged 2.7 WAR/season from 2017-2019. That is what he is capable of producing over a full season. Teams don’t pay lots of money for older players that are only a little bit above average. My guess is that Bradley gets 2 years for $20 million.
Rangers29
Read my comment above, Marty. You are choosing the wrong hill to die on.
tribepride17
Marty McRae is JBJ or he’s never watched a full season of baseball.
Rangers29
No, I like the Marty McRae is JBJ idea more. Imagine a player coming here under a fake pseudonym trying to drive up his price with all these subtle hints that he’s better than he really is lmao.
dan55
That would be legit hilarious if actual major leaguers came onto this site to brag about themselves.
tribepride17
I guarantee you that Trevor Bauer is doing just that haha.
Rangers29
I think that Tim Dillard’s 3.12 era in AAA last year was enough to get him a major league contract…hint hint….
Hibbie
And Boras
Hudson6
His career WAR is 18 in 8 seasons. That comes out to an average year of 2.25-WAR. That is not someone who makes big money. ESPECIALLY considering that WAR includes his defense.
GCarbs
You know 1 WAR is worth somewhere around $7 million right?
Cosmo2
According to a somewhat arbitrary calculation. There is no way whatsoever you could possibly put a definitive price on WAR. The stat WAR itself isn’t even that accurate on its own.
HalosHeavenJJ
So let’s assume a 2.5 baseline for 2022 and an average drop of 0.5 WAR per year as he ages and loses speed.
Over 4 years he’d produce 7 WAR so 4/48 is right in line at $7 million/WAR.
I don’t think he’ll get that, but in previous markets he might’ve. Look at how much Heyward was rewarded for defense.
Hudson6
I believe in the market. The market so far says that JBJ is not worth 4/48. I do not believe he is going to get 4 years.
HalosHeavenJJ
Agreed. I can see how Boras would sell it, I just don’t see anybody buying it.
Thor-DarkKnight-CaptainAmerica-16
Good luck with that JBJ. If Boras gets you anything more than 3 years 24 million give that man a raise.
puhl
3 @ $24 is exactly what I was thinking. Anyone gives him more than that and they’ve lost their minds.
TrillionaireTeamOperator
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with him seeking a lengthy contract. If he was willing to go lower AAV for more overall years and an amount of money that’s…. reasonable…. maybe?
I’m envisioning a contract closer to Aaron Hicks’ 7 years/$70M deal.
Like 5 years/$62.5M or something. I think that’s the best he’d get.
Murphy NFLD
Mlbtr predicted 8 mil per over 2 years no way he gets 12+ over 5 years. He must believe his 2020 was a fluke or he would be looking for a 1 or 2 year deal, that says everything in its self
Curveball1984
More years = More security. It also means way less AAV. This guy has never performed to his hype. That 5 year / $25M offer at the top of comments is more than generous for him. This ain’t Trout.
JAMES JACOBSEN
Maybe like Inciarte of the Braves? All glove and no bat in the later years.
DTDATL
He’s no bat now and then. His career numbers don’t lie.
BirdieMan
If he could hit his weight, he might get that longer term contract.
MrMet33
He’ll get 3/$36M, which is probably his max fair value.
Curveball1984
Whoa…. from who? Jays? Reds? Someone willing to overpay?
MrMet33
Ranked by likelihood –
1) Astros
2) Giants
3) Mets
4) Red Sox
Curveball1984
I meant to say Phillies instead of Reds
swanhenge
Jackie gets white hot for about 7-10 days twice a year and plays lockdown CF. That’s 8-10M/yr these days. Give that man 4/30 and enjoy the all too frequent rally killing ABs.
jimmertee
There it is!
Cubsforever22
Lol he’s getting more than 5 mil a year, come on that’s just laughable. I’m thinking more like 3/28-30 and that’s probably the low end.
Cubsforever22
Side note I went to college with him and Whitt Merrifield. Both great guys.
tribepride17
He was stud in college. I didn’t even know Whit was on that team but I can see why they dominated.
Cubsforever22
Yessir back to back nattys and went to a third even though we lost that one. Granted they were only on the first team. Had Christian Stewart and Justin Smoak on the second one. Back before they altered the bats in college I believe. Talk about watching guys hit some Tanks lol.
Rangers29
Nice to have a USC Gamecock here. Thanks for the insight.
Cubsforever22
Haha yes sir! Actually think our team might be pretty good for the first time in a while again this year.
Rangers29
Yeah I’m a UT fan (because I live in the Austin-metro), but I like the Gamecocks and several other universities as well. Vandy is just dominate, the Gamecocks are always fun, UNC is fun too but I like them for their football program more (let’s go Mack!). But I like the Gamecocks just as much as any of those others. I hope to be able to play for one of those schools here in the near future too…
Cubsforever22
Haha nice. Baseball player? Yea hopefully we can get back to dominating in baseball year after year. Seem to be back on the right track now so we’ll see.
Rangers29
Yes, baseball player. I am self-training right now, and I will be for another year before I can finally play HS ball because of my circumstances. But who knows, maybe I’ll go to some Perfect Game event this year and see how I stack up against others my age. See how much their organized training weighs out versus my self training. It’d be fun to see; I’m always up for a challenge.
Dorothy_Mantooth
It’s nice to have goals but I can’t see a team guaranteeing more than 3 years / $24M for Jackie. Maybe add on $8M an option with a $3M buyout so it become a 3/$27M guarantee. He’s really not worth more than that, but if his market is strong, someone might reach with a 4 year offer.
Cap & Crunch
I wouldn’t even go 3/30 here, I know thats what he’s hoping for with this posturing but I don’t see it ……only takes 1 one tho, never know
MiddleIn
Can’t hit. Period.
badco44
I think he has his moments with the bat, but his glove is his bread and butter. He goes and gets it with the best of them. That being said at 31 things are going to slow down eventually…. not sure anything past three years is a great idea
jdgoat
Three years is the absolute max I would go and that would have to come with a fairly decent discount on the AAV. Anything longer than that and I’d just look at Pillar or Almora as a one year stop gap.
Curveball1984
Almora? Come on… he’ll always be a Cub legacy guy, but Almora is a bust. Nothing more than a 7th inning or later Defensive substitute… on the Rox.
jdgoat
I’d still rather pay Almora to be my everyday CF for one year than JBJ for four or more years.
hashtahjimboutonwasright
Man, this guy so overrated. I’d assume he thinks so highly of himself because of Boston. If he’d put up the same numbers in Dallas, Kansas City, Cincinnati or Baltimore and no one would care.
Curveball1984
It isn’t JBJ…Boreass is his agent. You know how that goes… look at Chris Davis in BAL.
its_happening
Guy can’t hit lefties and will eventually be pushed out of CF. Not now but probably before the 4 years is up. But if he wants at least 4 years…
5yrs/$20-mil. There is the long term deal he and Boras want. Shouldn’t play everyday because he’s strictly a RHP starting player.
swinging wood
Do minor league contracts come in multi-year? j/k
Curveball1984
In his case… they should.
Rking
Rusney Castillo enters the chat
phillyballers
He deserves it. I predict a 6 year deal worth 3.6M, incentive laden tho.
For Love of the Game
So about the league minimum? Mr. Fisher (A’s), you need to stop being so blasted cheap!
bobtillman
There’s no hating on JBJ here, just hating on the salary demand. I’ve watched the guy for years; one of the best CFs I’ve ever seen, and I’m ancient. If anything, his defense is under-rated.
But he can’t hit; hard stop. Worth about 6M/ year for 2 years? Sure, especially for a contending team with the need (Mets come to mind, despite the LH bat; but there are others).
Beyond all that, he’s a model citizen; I hope he gets on the high side of his desire. But he shouldn’t.
seamaholic 2
I wouldn’t call 94 OPS+ “can’t hit.” I’d call that almost league average.
jayu
Sign him to a 7 dog year contract.
papabear
It won’t happen, but short-term deal with the Rockies would make sense. His defense in cf would be useful and Coors would make his bat look better than it is. Unfortunately the Rockies aren’t interested in major league players.
dan55
Don’t worry, the Rockies will use the money they saved on Arenado’s contract to give some washed up major leaguer a chance to play center. Bradley is too good of a player for their front office to sign.
VegasSDfan
@Dan55 like Hunter Pence
dan55
Bridich would love to get Hunter Pence. Probably give him a 3 year $60 million deal. Then he will trade for Pujols to play first and Miguel Cabrera to replace Arenado at third. That will complete the Rockies offseason.
seamaholic 2
That’s usually ALL the Rockies are interested in.
dpsmith22
Some sucker team will pay Mr. Oveerated
gussie busch
Dexter Fowler but even worse. Look at that contract and at best year one his is worth it then he falls off.
Curveball1984
JBJ has an infinitely better glove than Fowler.
AstrosWS20
True, but Fowler could hit infinitely better than JBJ. The second JBJ loses a step and becomes less valuable in the field is the second that contract is regrettable. That time is rapidly approaching.
seamaholic 2
Defense declines very slowly and regularly. He’ll be an excellent defensive outfielder for several years still.
gussie busch
Defense will only keep you in the league as long as you are above the Mendoza. He’s on the wrong side of 30 to learn how to hit.
Jaa1968
That is what he gets for having Boras as an agent! Nobody wants to deal with him
VegasSDfan
5 year minor league contract.
I doubt he gets 2 guaranteed years.
mlbnyyfan
I thought for sure the Mets would consider JBJ for his solid defense in CF. Any chance the Yankees think about it instead of a Gardy return?
Rsox
Gardner can probably be had for less than $3 million. Boras would never let JBJ sign with the Yankees for less than $10 mil.
seamaholic 2
Gardner’s gotta come back to the Bronx. He knows too much.
Jean Matrac
“5 year minor league contract.”
Huh?
Rsox
JBJ is not getting a five year contract or a four year contract, three would be pushing it, even two at this stage of the offseason is a Longshot. The supply might be there but i question the demand given how many teams dislike dealing with Boras
HALfromVA
2 years, 15 mil, with a 3rd year option at 8.
mookiesboy
yes. and Not from the Mets unless they get the DH in 2021
AstrosWS20
Move on Houston. He’s not worth that. I’d give him 2-3 years, but definitely not 4.
titanic struggle
I want a four year deal as well, but won’t get one. I’ve heard nothing but complaints about this guy for several years from RS fans. He’ll find a job, but not for that length of time…these people gotta live in the moment…
coldbeer
He wants a lengthy contract?
Going to be a lengthy wait. He can’t hit and his fielding is declining. He’s a 4th outfielder at best.
Brixton
Bad take, hes an average regular in CF at the moment, maybe becomes a 4th OFer in year 3 in a worst case
jorge78
The guy with a career OPS+ of 94!!?? You be you Jackie!
seamaholic 2
Ozzie Smith’s career OPS+ was 87.
Birch
Ozzie was also a 13x GG fielder who stole 20+ bases every single season until his age 39 year. I’ll take a guy who hits singles, steals 35+ bases per year when playing over 100 games, with automatic GG defense over JBJ’s 94 OPS+ and single GG.
Cosmo2
Ozzie was way more valuable in the field though. Still I’d like the Mets to sign JBJ. Maybe 3/30.
YourDreamGM
Mire fat
mlb1225
At max, I see him getting $8-$10 million AAV. He’s a glove first CF and while he did have a great 2020,it was in only 217 plate appearances it’s been pointed out numerous times here that he had a major rise in BABIP, which is always never a good sign, while having a major decrease in exit velo and GB%. I think he’ll end up getting a two year contract guarenteeing him $18 million plus incentives with two option years.
Rangers29
Hey, I’ve stopped my work on my write-ups because I think that was too big of a step to handle along with my school right now. I have other ideas for write-ups (one that I am currently working on), but the last series was dropped.
Though I wanted to share with you something that one of my friends over at SB Nation made: lonestarball.com/2021/1/31/22251451/what-i-learned…
He’s made 3 articles recently (all are really good, but Rangers’-centric so I linked you a more “relatable” one). He’s done really good work with these in his free time, and I expect him to keep writing more very soon.
mlb1225
Cool, I’ll take a look at them.
HubcapDiamondStarHalo
I, too, would like to score a four year contract in MLB. Does anybody have a number for Boras?
Yep it is
Just another East Coast average player that is the only reason he keeps appearing on the site. Wait a minute The “ Blue Jays” are interested.
Jal179
Glove first guys are boring (excluding magicians like Ozzie Smith). He deserves nothing more than 21/3. Rockies and Astros would be good fits.
I’d much rather have Pillar over JBJ for a lower AAV. Superman can still fly a bit.
Mjshof
Lol they be high af to do that
doxiedevil
Count Atlanta out, they will no doubt say they had great interest.
stretch123
I could see 4 years around 8-10 million annually. Dude plays a gold glove caliber CF with an average bat… Cant see more than 4 years though.
Unknown69420
3years 30 million with a club option worth 8 million. I think that’s the best he will get
Pauly2112
4/40 with a fifth year option and a high buyout on said option of 3-5 mil. If that don’t get it done, well…….
angt222
Mets should pass. Inquire with TB about Kiermaier.
Rsox
The problem with Kiermaier is he may be every bit as good defensively as JBJ or better but he is actually worse offensively and at likely a higher price tag both in salary and the prospect capital it would take to acquire him
terry g
3/24 I wouldn’t go any higher than that. Maybe with the Astros or Phillies
hope15171
He wants length because he knows he sucks.
ottoc 2
.267/.349/.486/.835 — (total 2016)
.350/.417/.625/1.042 – (games 1-45, highest AVG/OBP/OPS, 2nd highest SLG for season)
So, for games 46 through 156 his AVG dropped 83 points, his OBP dropped 68 points, his SLG dropped 139 points, and his OPS dropped 207 points.
2017, he hit .202 in his first 33 games, .356 in his next 35 games, and finished the season hitting .203 in his last 65 games.
That has been typical performance for JBJ. Is there any reason to think he is going to change going into age 31?
KeithK
Being an Indians fan, I had always said the same about Jason Kipnis. Except for one year where he was consistent – 2016 or 2017, I’d have to look that up again, all his numbers would come in a 6-week span and then would be terrible the rest of the year. But, with his end of year numbers, people would think he was much better than he was.
KeithK
I’d take Eddie Rosario over Jackie Bradley, Jr. I can’t imagine Bradley getting anything much different than what Rosario received.
hyraxwithaflamethrower
And I’m seeking a winning lottery ticket. Doesn’t mean either of us will get it.
Dock_Elvis
I really don’t know what to make of 2020 stats. They’re all small sample size. The game wasn’t played under normal conditions. It’s hard to tell the psychological detraction over living personal lives during this all..playing in empty stadiums. The games seemed like scrimmages from a viewing experience. So hard to really tell.
jvent
No to the Mets, they don’t need anymore contracts that would hold up Conforto,Lindor and Syndergaard from being resigned.
hoff38
I would think the Giants with their huge OF could use him on a 4-5year deal as they will be reloading next year to make a run. His bat makes me only offer $5-7m a year.
JohnJasoJingleHeimerSchmidt
If they want a glove-first CF who also hits left-handed, why not just use Steven Duggar?
Obviously, JBJ is better than Duggar, but is it so much so that they need to shell out a long-term deal with him? Nope.
bumpy93
I think with Dave Dombrowski as a member of the Phillies front office now he has brought in a few former players that he had when he was in Boston. the Phillies need a center fielder, Bradley Jr is a center fielder, and I believe if they could get Bradley for anywhere between 5-6.5mil per season I think the Phillies a might be one of those teams that have actual/serious intrest in him. Especially with CBP being a extremely hitter friendly ballpark, it is realistic to think JBJ could be a more effective hitter then in pitcher friendly ballpark. All of that on top of him being relatively cheap (for starting CF’ers), the Phillies in need of a CF’er, and being with the red Sox when Dombrowski was there, it seems like everything is pointing for his best option would be the Phillies.
JoeBrady
As a big JBJ fan, here’s my thoughts:
1-I’d expect some regression, and I would expect a slight decrease if he is not in Fenway. That said, if he offers a .720 OPS, with GG defense, that is plenty valuable.
2-He’s too old for a 4-year contract, nor do I think he expects one. The ideal contract is a 2+1, with either reasonably attainable incentives that would vest his 3rd year option, and a decent buy-out amount attached to the 3rd year option.
3-Some of his value derives from the acquiring team’s lineup. His range becomes relatively more valuable if the corner OFers have less range. And his bat plays better if the two corners are sluggers,and not light hitters.
That said, I’d guess his range goes roughly in the $21M/3 to maybe $16M/2, with an $8M option.
whyhayzee
I actually think his defense plays well with good defensive corners. Turns your outfield into an out zone. He’s definitely a bottom of the order guy in either league. In the NL, if he gets hot, they just pitch around him with the pitcher coming up. More dangerous in the AL with the lead off hitter on deck.
its_happening
.752 OPS lifetime against RHP. A .685 vs LHP. Treat him like Joc Pederson and make sure there is a right hand bat to start over JBJ when a lefty starts.
robertp
Poor JBJ. Boras is going to push him into Stephen Drew territory with demands that don’t meet the reality of the market.
LetGoOfMyLeg
Boras often seems to hold off committing his clients to a contract until late in the offseason, into spring training, etc. in order to achieve, in his mind, the best deal. Absolutely no different than what the MLB GM’s are doing now. If the MLBPA complains about the slow FA signings they can look no further than to Boras for the GM’s signing model.
dpsmith22
Interesting take. I guess the GM’s sign the contracts to play? Ala players sign when they want to. Dont blame a GM for a player waiting until the last minute to get Every nickel. Thats just silly.
sTpGoTexans
I hope he gets his long term deal….as long as it’s not with the Astros!
Goose
I am going to miss JB in CF. The guy is a defensive wizard but he is underwhelming with the bat. He would be great on a contender with a lineup that can carry him. He would be PERFECT for the Mets. I think he is shooting himself in the foot. It can’t be teams being turned off by a 4 or 5 year contract. It has to be the amount of money.
Bruin1012
Have watched Jackie for years and really love the guy however this guy is not getting multiple years of 10 million per. I think MLBTR is spot on his 2/16 is about right. If he wants a 4 or 5 year contract then that is going to come in somewhere around like 5 or 6 per year so I’m guessing 4/24 for Jackie maybe 5/26. Unless you watched Jackie on a consistent basis you just can’t understand how badly he looks at the plate for months at a time. There are times he is just an automatic out that looks completely lost at the plate. He hasn’t shown the ability to sustain any kind of consistency at the plate and I highly doubt he figures that out this late in his career. I like Jackie and think he will make a fine addition at the right price.
robb5215
Bradley’s value would be higher for a team needing a elite class fielder to seperate corner fielders more about hitting than fielding. His BA is not desirable, but on base average is not bad for fielder first player. With that said age will be a deterrent from longer than three years. So I would guess two years in 7-8 million per year range then club option 3rd year.
Gwynning's Anal Lover
6 years at 4 million (not per year)
YazTC1967
I think people are under estimating Bradley as a hitter, I don’t think he’s an awful hitter but more a streaky hitter. But he is not a good Fielder or a great Fielder he is in an elite Fielder. If you see him play Everyday I would think you would see that he is in Elite Fielder
I think someone mentioned 3 year 24 mil I think that’s a fair price for him.
BortMcCheevers
The guy is beyond streaky. He is an automatic out 75% of the time. Sure you might hit the lotto and get one of his streaks in a playoff run but he will much more likely go 1-20 in a playoff series and sink your team. He is an elite defender, but there are plenty of those guys if you don’t care so much about offense. He’s not worth more than a 1 year deal then clear him out for someone better..
Ghost Pepper
Trying to picture Jackie in a uniform other than Boston’s.
Can’t do it. Same goes for Gardner in Pinstripes.