Recent Mets free agent signing crushed his first hit 424 feet

It seems like weeks ago that the New York Mets signed Jackie Bradley Jr. away from the Long Island Ducks. The veteran has stepped up to the plate 9 times so far for the Syracuse Mets and 8 times he has longed for the days of crushing baseballs in the Independent League.

Bradley was slashing .400/.476/.727 for the Ducks with 12 home runs and one more walk than strikeout. It has been a slow start for JBJ in Syracuse with one exception, this 424 foot long home run.

Signed merely for depth and an opportunity to prove he belongs back in the majors, big hits might make the highlight reel but Bradley needs to show he can do much more before rejoining the show.

Jackie Bradley Jr. has a long way to go before getting a call-up by the Mets

When we think of Jackie Bradley Jr., we think of good defense, right? This was his calling card in parts of 11 major league seasons. Offensively putrid at times, JBJ wasn’t reunited with David Stearns because the Mets believe he can do much damage at the plate.

Down in the minors, the Mets don’t have much outfield depth at all. Ben Gamel has already made his way back to the majors albeit with a pair of binoculars viewing many games for all 9 innings from the bench. Trayce Thompson opted out of his deal earlier this month. Drew Gilbert has been sidelined for nearly the entire year. All that’s left are a large package of utility players with no true position. Not even Rhylan Thomas who was traded for Ryne Stanek is available for them any longer.

Superb defense is what the Mets need to see most of all from Bradley. He’s a piece for consideration for one month only. That month starts with an “S” and ends with “eptember.” When rosters expand two more slots, the Mets will have an opportunity to add a skilled player to the bench. Do they go with outfield defense or possibly speed like Luisangel Acuna can bring?

Outside of any upcoming opt outs in his contract, the Mets and Bradley will have all of August to figure out if he’s the right fit. It both hurts and helps that he hits left-handed as the Mets are full of outfielders swinging from this side of the plate.

The 34-year-old outfielder hit .176/.238/.275 from 2021-2023. Still a steady defender last year for a short time as a member of the Kansas City Royals, it’s the leather that’ll land him back in the majors.