Headlines

  • Brandon Lowe To Miss 4-6 Weeks With Kneecap Fracture
  • Sandy Alcantara Experiences Forearm Tightness After Rehab Outing
  • Rays Promote Junior Caminero
  • Sean Doolittle Announces Retirement
  • Tigers Name Jeff Greenberg General Manager
  • Qualifying Offer Value To Land Around $20.5MM
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Guardians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2023-24 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Arbitration Tracker
    • Agency Database
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Blue Jays Sign Jackie Bradley Jr., Designate Matt Peacock

By Darragh McDonald | August 9, 2022 at 2:55pm CDT

2:55pm: The Blue Jays have announced the signing, optioning utility player Otto Lopez to make space on the active roster and designating righty Matt Peacock for assignment to create space on the 40-man. Peacock was claimed off waivers from the Royals in July and has thrown ten innings for the Jays this year with a 5.40 ERA.

2:20pm: The Blue Jays are signing outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr., reports Ezekiel Telemaco of WEEI. Chris Cotillo of MassLive confirmed the deal on Twitter, reporting that it’s a major league deal. The Blue Jays have a full 40-man roster, meaning a corresponding move will be required.

Bradley, 32, was just released by the Red Sox last week and will now land with their division rivals in Toronto. The defensive specialist is having yet another down season at the plate, hitting .210/.257/.321 on the year. That production is 42% below league average, by measure of wRC+. The Red Sox let rookie Jarren Duran take over the center field position in recent months, with Bradley kicked to a corner. He was further nudged out of the outfield mix when they acquired Tommy Pham at the deadline, leading to Bradley’s release.

Despite that tepid offensive production, Bradley can still provide value with his glove. Defensive Runs Saved has given him a five on the year, a drop from last year’s 12 but still quite good. Ultimate Zone Rating has given him a 4.9 on the campaign so far after a 10.7 last year. Outs Above Average has given him three on the year already, after accruing four last year. That puts him in the 84th percentile among fielders across the league this season.

The Blue Jays recently put George Springer on the injured list, but acquired Whit Merrifield at the deadline for some extra outfield depth. That gives them a current outfield rotation of Merrifield, Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Teoscar Hernandez, Raimel Tapia and Bradley Zimmer. It seems unlikely that Bradley would get regular playing time over those first four, given his struggles with the bat. Zimmer, however, has been used primarily as a defensive replacement and pinch runner, hitting a meager .107/.212/.240 when in the lineup this year for a wRC+ of just 28. Perhaps the Blue Jays view Bradley as a better option for that defensive replacement and pinch runner position.

Bradley has shown more promise with the bat in the past, putting up a batting line of .283/.364/.450 as recently as 2020, producing a wRC+ of 119 in the shortened season. It was on the heels on that strong campaign that the Brewers signed him to a two-year, $24MM deal. However, Bradley struggled in his first year outside of Boston, hitting just .163/.236/.261. He was traded back to the Red Sox in the offseason, along with two prospects, while Hunter Renfroe went to Milwaukee. Though Bradley hasn’t been as bad as he was last year, it was still enough to get released. The Red Sox will still be on the hook for the bulk of his contract, with the Blue Jays only having to pay the prorated league minimum, which be subtracted from what Boston pays.

Share 0 Retweet 10 Send via email0

Newsstand Toronto Blue Jays Transactions Jackie Bradley Jr. Matt Peacock

Nationals Claim Jake McGee, Designate Donovan Casey
Main
Dodgers Sign Jahmai Jones To Two-Year Minor League Deal
View Comments (76)

Comments

  1. vaderzim

    1 year ago

    Temporary defensive upgrade. Hopefully Jackie isn’t expecting a 4 year deal out of this.

    6
    Reply
    • LordD99

      1 year ago

      A three year will do.

      3
      Reply
    • Sideline Redwine

      1 year ago

      With the other hitters on this team, they can sacrifice an at bat. Good pick up.

      3
      Reply
    • Joe says...

      1 year ago

      I don’t think you’re supposed to call anyone Jackie.

      8
      Reply
      • Captain Judge99

        1 year ago

        Just call him Bradley

        1
        Reply
      • FSF

        1 year ago

        Indeed, MLB has retired the name for good.

        1
        Reply
  2. bucsfan0004

    1 year ago

    Doesn’t Bradley Zimmer have a faster sprint speed and play a better center field? If the Jays have two of these guys, they are in big trouble.

    8
    Reply
    • Dustyslambchops23

      1 year ago

      Have to assume that he would be taking Zimmers roster spot.

      6
      Reply
      • Digdugler

        1 year ago

        But JBJ provides less value (more negative value) than Zimmer so even that is a bad move. Neither should ever start a game but Zimmer can PR/ be a defensive replacement better. Atkins should have obviously got a league average bat for the bench but he was sleeping.

        1
        Reply
        • Poster formerly known as . . .

          1 year ago

          Jackie is credited with 3 Outs Above Average to Zimmer’s 1 OAA, and even his awful offensive stats are better than Zimmer’s.

          But they’re both Bradleys, so there’s that, I guess.

          12
          Reply
        • duffys cliff

          1 year ago

          Zimmer is batting .083 since June 1. JBJ is batting .200. The Blue Jays are on the hook for just the league minimum for JBJ. They’re both above average defenders, but I’d still give the edge to JBJ. Even if Zimmer could be used more as a pinch runner, you can’t tell me he is more valuable than JBJ would be at this point, I don’t care what metric you’re using…

          8
          Reply
        • Dustyslambchops23

          1 year ago

          I don’t think you should worry this much about Zimmer. If they feel JBJ offers them something a bit more than so be it.

          If either of them have more than 10 AB’s down the stretch it’s a disaster

          6
          Reply
        • Hippyripper

          1 year ago

          Can I be a Bradley when I grow up? I wanna play baseball too

          Reply
    • case

      1 year ago

      Sprint speed doesn’t necessarily translate to baserunning, which is a big deal in the post season, bigger with the new’ish extra inning rules. As far as analytics goes, they aren’t science so much as educated guesses (or when they try to reduce it all to a single number, a complete joke). I think the coaching staff probably has a better idea of who is the better center fielder.

      Reply
    • baseballsavvy

      1 year ago

      Why not give Nathan Lukes a shot? Dude is 4th in AVG. In AAA and can steal a base. Knocked the cover off the ball in the Spring. Deserves a shot. Better than Zimmer and JBJ. Give the guy a chance, he deserves it. Not even a call up at any point. What a joke.

      Reply
      • baseballsavvy

        1 year ago

        Not to mention he bats left. What are we doing here?

        Reply
    • iverbure

      1 year ago

      Jackie Bradley Jr has a much longer track record of success in the majors, I’d take whatever you get out of him over zimmer.

      Reply
  3. bigbatflip

    1 year ago

    Does this mean that they’re now on the hook for his potential buyout for next year or does that stay with the Red Sox?

    Reply
    • Iasounis

      1 year ago

      I’d imagine the Jays aren’t on the hook. Would make an iffy signing look really silly.

      1
      Reply
    • Dorothy_Mantooth

      1 year ago

      The $8M buyout stays with the Red Sox too, but that was accounted for in 2022 (for CBT purposes) so it will be a cash outlay only with no impact on the 2023 CBT.

      1
      Reply
    • Ducey

      1 year ago

      They signed him to a new contract. Whatever he had with the Redsox is Boston’s problem.

      Reply
  4. Louholtz22

    1 year ago

    The Red Sox are on the hook for JBJ and Sale.

    5
    Reply
    • Garbino1223

      1 year ago

      Thank you Captain Obvious. And Padres are on the hook for Hosmer. It happens all the time.

      Reply
      • Sideline Redwine

        1 year ago

        Why the snark? Just answering someone’s question.
        I’d love to read one thread on this website without namecalling or similar nastiness.

        25
        Reply
        • One Bite

          1 year ago

          I second this

          9
          Reply
        • Garbino1223

          1 year ago

          Who else could possibly be on the hook for Chris Sale?

          Reply
        • AceKing

          1 year ago

          You have to stay out of the Red Sox team comments….

          Those fans are more snarky and hateful than usual rn

          Reply
        • Garbino1223

          1 year ago

          One of the first comments you see on Chris Sales broken wrist story, go take a look:
          “What a LOSER this guy is. Retire already you skinny punk.”

          We have good reason to be snarky. You says its Boston fans, I say its everyone at MLBTR.

          Also, still no reason given to why Sale was added to LouHoltz comment. At the very least, thats ‘Piling On’.

          Reply
        • retired/advisory role

          1 year ago

          I try to be nice but everyone is so stupid.

          1
          Reply
        • case

          1 year ago

          I remember when we played the Red Sox in a playoff series, our stadium was flooded with drunken idiots, and not the fun type.

          Reply
        • Garbino1223

          1 year ago

          Wow lotta hate here at MLBTR for a “Captain Obvious” comment. . You guys sure you know who the “spiteful and hateful” ones are? Moral High Ground youre not on.

          Reply
        • retired/advisory role

          1 year ago

          Go getem Marvin

          Reply
        • GaryWarriorsRedSox

          1 year ago

          Cut us a little slack. Chris Sale’s not mentioned this article at all and we just got word he’s not coming back, AGAIN. We could be a little sensitive and it’s understandable I would think.

          A little Snappy come back and that’s all. We’re Brothers here and fans of the same sport and supporting MLB. It’s all good.

          1
          Reply
  5. Nothing

    1 year ago

    Don’t mind this, Bradley gives them a good defender off the bench who replaces Bradley “batting average below .100” Zimmer. Bradley can still be a decent 4th outfielder.

    Reply
    • duffys cliff

      1 year ago

      Especially playing in the AL East. He knows this division as well as anyone, and can play any outfield position in those stadiums as well as anyone.

      Reply
  6. duffys cliff

    1 year ago

    JBJ will find his way into the lineup as a defensive replacement and as a fourth outfielder. He’s actually an offensive upgrade over the current occupant of that role (Zimmer).

    Reply
  7. Mario93

    1 year ago

    Bradley Zimmer to me has been a fantastic addition to the Blue Jays. He’s such a great defender, he’s tall, an extremely good runner.. Great to have players like that for late game defensive purposes, pinch running, etc. The bat obviously isn’t there, but I like what he brings to the Jays a lot. Really don’t see a point of bringing on JBJ to do what Zimmer already does, I hope it’s not at the expense of Zimmer.

    Reply
    • For Love of the Game

      1 year ago

      I love tall .107 hitters. They’re much more “fantastic” than short guys that hit .300. smh

      6
      Reply
    • Dustyslambchops23

      1 year ago

      That might be the most positive description of Zimmer since his rookie season.

      Both are #25 on the 25 man roster at this point.

      1
      Reply
    • Ducey

      1 year ago

      Are you his dad?

      He is decent defensively but there are probably 200 guys in the minors that can hit better than him. I have seen enough

      2
      Reply
    • Nothing

      1 year ago

      Have you watched one of his at bats? They would be better offletting Dan Shulman hit instead of Zimmer. Sure he’s good defensively and he’s fast, but you need to be able to not be an automatic out if you’re going to stick in the MLB, even on the bench.

      Reply
      • Mario93

        1 year ago

        No idea about the defensive metrics, but from the eye test, to me he’s one of the best in baseball defensively in CF. I like Zimmer.. His value is underrated, strictly my opinion though.. obviously.

        Reply
    • ScottyLo

      1 year ago

      This was the funniest thing I’ve read in a while. Love your positivity on one of the worst offensive baseball players I can ever recall in a Jays uniform.

      1
      Reply
      • Mario93

        1 year ago

        For his role I really like the dude. We’re a much better team defensively when he’s out there. Does anybody know his current war ? I’m truly curious… lol. Someone please tell me… he’s got a god awful batting line, we’ve established that already, but that defense and athleticism helps the team win..

        Reply
    • smuzqwpdmx

      1 year ago

      Zimmer is very far from a great defender, he just looks like one compared to everybody else the Jays have run out there in CF. From the eye test, I’ve seen him make numerous mistakes in CF. And if 2 stolen bases all season makes him a great runner, your standards are a bit low there too. JBJ can easily replace both, and actually make contact on occasion too.

      Reply
      • Mario93

        1 year ago

        Not just about base stealing, but actual running the bases. Teoscar is a great base runner as well, and doesn’t really get much stolen bases.

        Reply
        • Dustyslambchops23

          1 year ago

          There’s a difference between quickness and top end speed

          1
          Reply
        • Mario93

          1 year ago

          Agree Dusty.

          1
          Reply
  8. ctguy

    1 year ago

    JBJ must be happy. At least now he gets to play for a team that may make the playoffs. That’s something that isn’t happening in Boston.

    1
    Reply
    • GaryWarriorsRedSox

      1 year ago

      This year. But I would consider the Red Sox a winning franchise and Jackie Bradley Jr has been part of a lot of winning with the Boston Red Sox so go ahead and kick while we are down. Things could change soon.

      1
      Reply
  9. Gwynning's Anal Lover

    1 year ago

    Definitely made sense with Springer out.

    Reply
    • Jon M

      1 year ago

      Nah

      Reply
  10. MannyPineappleExpress9

    1 year ago

    Clearly a blocking move to prevent the Yankees from snagging him to plug the hole left by Carpenter’s injury.

    Reply
    • duffys cliff

      1 year ago

      And Red Sox fans appreciate that. If both he and Benintendi were on the Yankees at the same time, we’d all lose our minds.

      1
      Reply
  11. Dorothy_Mantooth

    1 year ago

    Jackie’s offensive numbers look even better in Canada due to the exchange rate. He’s batting .250 Canadian on the season.

    13
    Reply
  12. Rsox

    1 year ago

    Bradley taking Zimmer’s spot?

    Reply
  13. JoeBrady

    1 year ago

    I wish the RS had kept JBJ and sent Duran to AAA, but that said, aren’t Tapia, Bradley and Bradley all similar players? All three lefty outfielders with negative WARs?

    1
    Reply
    • neo

      1 year ago

      Tapia is kind of unique, but Bradley and Bradley are so similar that people often mistake them for being the same person.

      Reply
  14. DarkSide830

    1 year ago

    Zimmer and JBJ on the same active roster. Yikes.

    1
    Reply
    • Hank Murphy

      1 year ago

      Don’t put JBJ in the same league as Zimmer
      because Zimmer belongs in little league, selling ice cream to the kids.
      at least JBJ can play baseball.

      Reply
  15. mpmks

    1 year ago

    I had thought that he may have ended up in Houston

    Reply
  16. CJL

    1 year ago

    Why is it the minute I heard JBJ was being released I immediately said the Jays would pick him up?
    While an upgrade to Zimmer, can’t imagine him being nothing more than a late-innings defensive sub or pinch runner.
    Hopefully they can at least get JBJ2020 for the close of the season.

    Reply
  17. Doom & Bloom

    1 year ago

    This will come back to bite us.

    Reply
  18. Samuel

    1 year ago

    LOL

    Shapiro finally has money to spend. Now he signs the types of player he used to in Cleveland, but he knows when they officially break down he can afford to let them go, eat the salary, and sign another like guy.

    Reply
  19. Old York

    1 year ago

    I guess the next best thing to landing Soto is JBJ.

    Reply
  20. jimmertee

    1 year ago

    Shifting deck chairs on the titanic. And lousy deck chairs they are too. # BlueJays

    Reply
  21. Clinton 2

    1 year ago

    Good!

    Reply
  22. Amanda

    1 year ago

    i can usually lie to myself and tell myself what i wanna hear pretty easily, but this deal i cant think of 1 reason why it makes sense, from any standpoint,

    Reply
    • neo

      1 year ago

      perhaps it’s just personal growth that you are seeing through your lies more easily today… there’s no shame in becoming wiser

      3
      Reply
  23. sweetg

    1 year ago

    truth if either bradley or Zimmer are playing regularly The jays are in big trouble..

    Reply
  24. t.o. the north

    1 year ago

    Perfect, now we have 7 outfielders, no LH bullpen, and need at least 2 starters. Great start to August Shatkins.

    Reply
    • ScottyLo

      1 year ago

      Weak trade deadline aside, I think Atkins and Shapiro have made decent moves to help the club. Can we finally do away w this Shatkins nonsense?

      1
      Reply
  25. t.o. the north

    1 year ago

    Perfect, now we have 7 outfielders, no LH bullpen, and need at least 2 starters. Great start to August.

    Reply
  26. Stan Papi

    1 year ago

    Does anyone else remember when the Red Sox outfield was feared?

    Reply
    • neo

      1 year ago

      sure, but 1979 was a long time ago

      1
      Reply
  27. Hank Murphy

    1 year ago

    Massive, titanic, stupendous upgrade over Zimmer,
    but then again, so would I

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.

Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Brandon Lowe To Miss 4-6 Weeks With Kneecap Fracture

    Sandy Alcantara Experiences Forearm Tightness After Rehab Outing

    Rays Promote Junior Caminero

    Sean Doolittle Announces Retirement

    Tigers Name Jeff Greenberg General Manager

    Qualifying Offer Value To Land Around $20.5MM

    Shohei Ohtani Undergoes Elbow Surgery

    Marlins Claim Matt Moore From Guardians

    Rays To Announce New Stadium Deal

    Reds Designate Hunter Renfroe For Assignment

    Shohei Ohtani Out For Season With Oblique Strain

    Marcus Stroman To Pitch Out Of Bullpen

    Red Sox Fire Chaim Bloom

    Orioles Select Heston Kjerstad

    Jasson Dominguez To Undergo UCL Surgery

    Max Scherzer Unlikely To Return This Year Due To Teres Major Strain

    Ryan Mountcastle Being Evaluated For Shoulder Issue, Heston Kjerstad Promotion Possible

    Nationals Agree To Multi-Year Extension With Mike Rizzo

    Mets Reach Agreement To Hire David Stearns As President Of Baseball Operations

    Orioles Activate John Means

    Recent

    Red Sox’s David Hamilton Undergoes Thumb Surgery

    Blue Jays Outright Mason McCoy

    Michael Kopech Undergoes Minor Knee Procedure

    Brandon Lowe To Miss 4-6 Weeks With Kneecap Fracture

    Previewing The 2023-24 Free Agent Class: Starting Pitcher

    Sandy Alcantara Experiences Forearm Tightness After Rehab Outing

    Previewing The 2023-24 Free Agent Class: Designated Hitter

    Twins Place Royce Lewis On IL With Hamstring Strain

    Cardinals Select Irving Lopez

    Phillies Designate Drew Ellis For Assignment

    ad: 300x250_5_side_mlb

    MLBTR Newsletter - Hot stove highlights in your inbox, five days a week

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Shohei Ohtani Rumors
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Go Ad-Free
    • 2023-24 MLB Free Agent List
    • 2024-25 MLB Free Agent List
    • MLB Player Chats
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Guardians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • Feeds by Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrowsFOX Sports Engage Network scroll to top

    Register

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version