With the season fast approaching, more signings are being made, thus more regular MLB Breaking News. Today’s breaking news comes in the form of outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. signing with the Milwaukee Brewers. The news was announced around 3.30 am, with mixed reviews on the signing.
MLB Breaking News: Brewers Sign Jackie Bradley Jr.
Source confirms: Free-agent center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. in agreement with Brewers. Two years, $24M with opt-out after first year, per @byJulianMack, who was first with the news.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 4, 2021
MLB Breaking News: Smart Move?
Although the Brewers are heavily covered in the outfield department, the signing of Bradley lays down a marker due to his solid defensive displays and his improved bat. The contract seems to indicate a team-option after the first season, thus allowing the Brewers to take up the second year if all goes to plan.
One of the most impressive defenders at centerfield, he adds solidity to the Brewers" outfield, whilst showing improvements with his batting numbers in 2020. He hit 7 HRs and had an average of .283 despite a poor overall season from the Boston Red Sox.
MLB Breaking News: Too Many Outfield Options?
The one downside to the signing could be how he fits into the Brewers" outfield. Christian Yelich, and his potentially improved 2021 slots in at left field, whilst Bradley should have the everyday role of centerfield. In our coverage of the Brewers" predicted Opening Day Roster, we had Lorenzo Cain, Tyrone Taylor, Billy McKinney, Avisail Garcia, and Tim Lopes as predicted outfielders.
That leads to a stacked outfield, and there shouldn"t be any more than 5 OFs carried into the Opening Day Roster. Yelich and Bradley are guaranteed positions but what about the other three?
The news of the Bradley signing comes off the back of news that Lorenzo Cain has a ‘minor" injury and misses the start of Spring Training.
Cain has missed the last 2-3 days after tweaking his quad in batting practice. The Brewers have loved what they have seen from Cain early on in camp and are optimistic about the potential of the OF after agreeing to terms with Jackie Bradley Jr. https://t.co/Ffq24AVxJT
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) March 4, 2021
Billy McKinney and Tim Lopes were signed recently, whilst Tyrone Taylor looked impressive in Spring Training. Avisail Garcia may seem the ideal choice to start at RF but only time will tell. We could also see MLB Breaking News of a potential trade of some sorts in the next couple of weeks.
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Main image credit: Embed from Getty Images