Ex-Red Sox Takes Step In MLB Comeback Attempt, Lands New Deal

Jackie Bradley Jr. is one step closer to returning to Major League Baseball.

Bradley opened the 2024 season with the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, a partner league of MLB. But after lighting it up in the ALPB, Bradley on Tuesday had his contract purchased by the New York Mets organization, per an official LI Ducks announcement.

The veteran outfielder has been out of MLB circles since mid-June of last year when he was waived by the Royals. Bradley's underwhelming run in Kansas City came after similarly forgettable tenures with the Milwaukee Brewers and Toronto Blue Jays in 2021 and 2022, respectively. But he was a household name in Boston, where he played the first eight seasons of his MLB career and was a 2016 All-Star and 2018 World Series champion.

Bradley, who owns a career .225 average, always has been a streaky hitter dating back to his rookie season in 2013. But he long has boasted a sure-handed glove and was one of the best defensive center fielders in all of baseball amid his prime with the Red Sox.

The 34-year-old is set to join the Mets' Triple-A affiliate in Syracuse, N.Y. Carlos Mendoza's side entered Tuesday with a 51-48 record, which was good enough for the final National League wild-card spot.