It is not the splashy, pre-deadline acquisition fans are waiting for, but the Mets have added a longtime major leaguer as outfield depth.
Jackie Bradley Jr., an 11-year pro who last played in the majors with the Royals in 2023, is now in the mix, his contract purchased from the independent Long Island Ducks on Tuesday. Bradley will report to Triple-A Syracuse, the Ducks announced.
The 34-year-old has been a reliable outfielder since breaking into MLB in 2013 with the Red Sox, was an All-Star in 2016 and won a Gold Glove in 2018.
The Mets have signed Jackie Bradley Jr. off the Long Island Ducks roster. USA TODAY Sports
Jackie Bradley Jr. spent last season with the Royals. Getty Images
He had bounced around since 2021 and bounced out of the majors this season, owning a 28-game hitting streak with the Ducks in which he has batted .471.
The Mets’ outfield depth had taken a hit after Trayce Thompson opted out of his minor league contract earlier this month.
Bradley, a lefty hitter, could become an option for a club that has not seen a ton from lefty-hitting Ben Gamel and DJ Stewart while Starling Marte has been on the injured list.
