Red Sox still talking contract with Jackie Bradley Jr.

Although it seems like the Boston Red Sox are prepared to roll into the 2021 season with their current outfield group, it appears they haven't ruled out the possibility of Jackie Bradley Jr. returning to the club. 

Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom said Sunday morning that the team is still in contact with Bradley Jr. about a new contract, according to WEEI's Rob Bradford: 

"We continue to stay in touch and make sure we’re in touch with (Bradley Jr.'s agent) Scott (Boras) about his situation. We’re going to do that until it resolves. Obviously as the winter has gone on we haven’t let that prevent us from making other moves when we’ve seen opportunity to add good players that fit us and that can bolster this roster but we love Jackie and we’ve stayed in touch with Scott on him throughout the entire winter."

Bradley Jr. has spent his entire eight-year career with the Red Sox, helping the team capture a World Series title in 2018. During the pandemic-shortened season, the 30-year-old slashed .283/.364/.450 with seven home runs and 22 RBI. 

The San Francisco Giants and Houston Astros are also reportedly interested in Bradley Jr. The New York Mets showed interest in him this winter, but they are likely out of the running after signing Albert Almora Jr. and Kevin Pillar.