Jackie Bradley Jr. has had quite the headline-making couple of weeks on the Island. After setting the franchise record for most consecutive games with a hit for the Long Island Ducks, a week later, the Ducks have announced that his contract has been purchased by the New York Mets organization.
“Jackie has been incredibly deserving of this opportunity,” said Ducks Manager Lew Ford. “He has been one of the Atlantic League’s best hitters this season, and we look forward to watching him continue pursuing his goal of returning to the Major Leagues.”
Bradley Jr. was in the middle of that franchise best 28-game hitting streak when he got the call and now will report to the team’s Triple-A affiliate, the Syracuse Mets. The streak certainly opened up scouts' eyes and it was just three games shy of equaling the longest in Atlantic League history. During the streak, he has posted a .471 batting average with 56 hits and a .537 on-base percentage. He has reached base safely in 35 consecutive games, the longest on-base streak in the league this season, batting .437 with 62 hits and a .512 on-base percentage during the streak. For the season, he is batting a robust .400 with 12 homers, 35 RBIs, 36 runs, 66 hits, 14 doubles, two triples, 23 walks and a 1.203 OPS in 40 games.
Bradley's offensive output is a welcome addition to his renowned defensive play. Bradley is 34 years old but looks as good as ever. He played in the big league for 11 seasons with the Boston Red Sox (2013-20, 2022), Milwaukee Brewers (2021), Toronto Blue Jays (2022) and Kansas City Royals (2023). In 1,182 MLB games, he had a .225 batting average with 109 home runs, 449 RBIs, 514 runs, 839 hits, 69 stolen bases, 361 walks and a .303 on-base percentage. His highlights were an American League Championship Series Most Valuable Player and a Rawling Gold Glove Award for center field in 2018.
Bradley Jr. becomes the ninth member of the 2024 Ducks to have his contract purchased by a Major League or foreign organization. He joins outfielder Tyler Dearden (Minnesota Twins, July 2), left-handed pitcher Emilio Marquez (Pericos de Puebla, June 4), infielder Rixon Wingrove (Minnesota Twins, May 24), and right-handed pitchers Matt Seelinger (Detroit Tigers, June 25), Tyler Zuber (Tampa Bay Rays, May 13), Chris Ellis (Arizona Diamondbacks, April 25), Dan Straily (Chicago Cubs, April 25) and Raynel Espinal (Rieleros de Aguascalientes, April 15). Since beginning play in 2000, the Ducks have had 31 players reach the Major League level after joining Long Island, and 116 have had their contracts purchased.