The Milwaukee Brewers believe they have room for more than one Gold Glove-winning center fielder in their outfield.
Milwaukee concluded its $24 million, two-year contract with Jackie Bradley Jr., whose deal lets him to opt out after one season and $13 million to become a free agent again. It also includes a mutual option that could make it worth $28 million over three seasons.
Bradley, who turns 31 on April 19, joins an outfield that already includes 2019 Gold Glove center fielder Lorenzo Cain, 2018 NL MVP Christian Yelich and Avisaíl García, giving the Brewers four experienced starters for three outfield spots. Bradley won an AL Gold Glove with Boston in 2018 and was a finalist for the award in 2014, 2016 and 2019.
“I think we’ve just got a lot of great players here,” Bradley said Monday from the Brewers’ spring training camp in Phoenix. “I’m excited to be in the mix. The opportunity’s going to present itself. I don’t have to worry about making the lineup. I’m here to help the team win, and that’s my main focus.”
Bradley gets a $6.5 million salary this year, of which $3.5 million is deferred and payable $333,333 on Jan. 14 next year, $3 million on Jan. 13, 2023, and $166,667 on Jan. 12, 2023. The deal incorporates a $9.5 million player option for 2022, of which $6.5 million would be deferred and payable $333,333 next Jan. 13 and $6,167,000 on Jan. 12, 2024. If Bradley declines the option, he would get a $6.5 million buyout payable $3 million next Jan. 14, $333,333 on Jan. 13, 2023, and $3,167,000 on Jan. 12, 2024.
Bradley’s deal also includes a $12 million mutual option for 2023 with an $8 million buyout that would be payable $1 million on Jan. 12, 2024, and $7 million on Jan. 15, 2025.
The Brewers’ need for outfield depth has become more apparent the last few days.
Cain is dealing with a quadriceps issue that has slowed his progress this spring training, potentially complicating his status for the start of the season. Cain had opted out of the 2020 season after playing just five matches.
“I’ll do everything possible to get ready,” Cain said. “I plan on being on the field opening day.”
Brewers manager Craig Counsell said Cain wasn’t on the field last week and added that “he’s going to be slowed by this and we’re at a point where the schedule starts to get a little tight, but I think we still have time to be ready for the season.”
Cain remains optimistic about his opportunities of being ready for the April 1 opener.
“As far as getting on the field and seeing live pitching, that’s the only setback I see,” Cain said. “I think I’ll get caught up to speed real quick. I’m doing everything possible to get back on this field as soon as possible. I think I’ll be ready to go.”
If Cain is ready for the start of the season, the Brewers could face some interesting decisions as they try to divide playing time among these four experienced outfielders.
