Will Jackie Bradley Jr. return to the Red Sox?

BOSTON --- The lone pending Red Sox free agent lined up in center field and batted sixth Thursday night.

Jackie Bradley Jr. took the field at Fenway Park for what could be his final time in the home whites. Boston is the only organization he’s called home since being selected 40th overall in the 2011 draft.

His final push for interest on the open market has been a strong one. Bradley entered this contest against the Orioles hitting safely in 28 of his last 33 games. [...]

BOSTON --- The lone pending Red Sox free agent lined up in center field and batted sixth Thursday night.

Jackie Bradley Jr. took the field at Fenway Park for what could be his final time in the home whites. Boston is the only organization he’s called home since being selected 40th overall in the 2011 draft.

His final push for interest on the open market has been a strong one. Bradley entered this contest against the Orioles hitting safely in 28 of his last 33 games. He was 8-for-20 on the home stand with three walks and six runs scored.

"Pretty special guy," Red Sox manager Ron Roenicke said. "We’ll see what happens after this season. I for sure have had a great experience with him coaching him and now managing him.

"He goes about his business as professional as you can get. He’s a great guy on the field and off the field. He does some great things for this club in the community. Hopefully things work out."

The Red Sox were sellers at the Aug. 31 trade deadline, and it was somewhat surprising to see them retain Bradley. Boston dealt off fellow free agents to be like Brandon Workman and Kevin Pillar. The Red Sox also moved a popular veteran in Mitch Moreland, who has an affordable club option for just $3 million in 2021.

"He’s one of the good guys," Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo said. "He’s just amazing. His heart is pure. He’s someone you wish well for.

"Whatever happens in his career – if he stays here or he ends up going – I wish the best for him. I’m just happy I got to meet him and be able to call him my friend."

Verdugo was among the Boston players and staff members who took a knee for the national anthem alongside Bradley on Opening Day. Bradley, as the club’s lone Black player, has spoken out on several occasions this season regarding the ongoing pursuit for social justice and racial equality. He’s played home games with a large Black Lives Matter banner spread across the bleachers behind him.

Boston chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said after the deadline the club would like to keep Bradley here for the long term. When asked afterwards whether or not he had been personally approached by the Red Sox regarding a new contract, Bradley said no.

"We know he always plays great defense, and he’s going to whether it’s here or somewhere else," Roenicke said. "He’ll do well wherever he ends up whether it’s here or somewhere else.

"I just enjoyed him. It was a privilege in getting to know him and watching him play."

bkoch@providencejournal.com

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