Report: Brewers sign Jackie Bradley Jr. to 2-year deal

The Milwaukee Brewers have signed Jackie Bradley Jr., taking the solid hitting outfielder off of the free agency market. Bradley is signing a two-year contract worth $24 million. It includes a player option after the first year.

Bradley is coming off a solid performance during the shortened 2020 season, putting together a slash line of .283/.364/.450. The batting a average and on-base percentage were both career highs. That coupled with solid defense should have led to a more significant market over the winter, but it was not to be. With an option for 2022, Bradley could put himself in position for an even bigger payday next winter.

Bradley will take over center field in Milwaukee, which likely moves Lorenzo Cain to right field. This would also move Avisail Garcia into the fourth outfielder role.

This will mark Bradley’s ninth season in the big leagues. The former first round pick first broke into the majors with the Boston Red Sox in 2013. He bounced back and forth to AAA Pawtucket. He made a more extensive appearance in the big leagues in 2014, but did not become a regular in Boston until 2016.