The Jackie Bradley Jr. market appears to be heating up.
According to MLB.com, the Phillies and Cubs are the two most recent teams to reportedly show interest in the centerfielder.
Earlier this month Bradley Jr. reported on a podcast with former teammate Will Middlebrooks that the free agent market had seemed slower than anticipated.
"I definitely have been able to hear from a couple of teams," said Bradley Jr., who just recently joined wife Erin in welcoming their second child. "That's good to know there is definitely interest, and interest from multiple teams. But I think as of right now things are kind of moving slow. As you can see, like NBA, they're making moves left and right. I think we all kind of knew that baseball would be slow. The last couple of days or so things have been very chill, very relaxed. Haven't heard much talk around the league right now. For me, that's fine. I'm a pretty patient guy. That hasn't been my main focus at the moment because I have a little one who is going to be here imminently and that's been my main focus for my family. All that other stuff is going to take care of itself."
The Astros have seemingly made Bradley Jr. a priority since the outset of free agency, with the Red Sox also showing in interest in a reunion. Also in the mix seem to be both the Blue Jays and Mets, although each of those teams seemingly prefer the more expensive free agent target George Springer.
It should be no surprise Bradley Jr. has drawn interest from both the Phillies and Cubs considering his relationship with each team's front office.
Newly-hired Philadelphia President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski rebuffed numerous trade proposals from teams for the outfielder during their time together in Boston. And Cubs chief decision-maker Jed Hoyer was part of a Red Sox front office that drafted Bradley Jr. in first round of the 2011 MLB Draft. The 30-year-old is a former teammate of Chicago manager David Ross.
At the moment, the Phillies' plan for center field involves a combination of Roman Quinn and Adam Haseley. The Cubs, who have a hole in their outfield after the departure of Kyle Schwarber, currently are planning to run with Ian Happ in center. Bradley Jr. would represent a significant defensive upgrade for either team.
The MLB Trade Rumors projection for Bradley Jr.'s free agent contract came in at two years, $16 million.
Bradley Jr. finished 2020 with a very solid month, hitting .326 with a .985 OPS and five homers in Sept. For the season he totaled a .283 batting average and .814 OPS to go along with seven homers. Perhaps most encouraging was his success against left-handed pitching, finishing with a .288 batting average compared to .280 vs. righties.
For more on where Bradley Jr. might fit in the Red Sox' plans, click here.