The teams would always call on Jackie Bradley Jr. in the offseason.
"We've always had interest in Jackie," was the message sent back by more than one executive when asked about their club's previous view of the outfielder.
Yet, each time, even following the most uncomfortable of offensive seasons, the Red Sox rebuffed all inquiries. Despite his up-and-down existence at the plate, Bradley Jr. always represented more of the solution than the problem for what were contending Sox teams.
But at the same time, the Red Sox never once made an offer to keep Bradley Jr. beyond 2020.
This was the exchange with the outfielder on the Bradfo Sho podcast last July:
Bradley Jr.: "Yeah, you always think about your time. It’s our work. It’s a lot of years put in in a short amount of time, so to speak. Our windows are so limited."
Has he ever come close to signing an extension with the Red Sox?
Bradley Jr.: "No."
Have the Red Sox ever offered him an extension?
Bradley Jr.: "No."
Is he surprised the Red Sox have never offered him an extension?
Bradley Jr.: "No."
Is he ready to go to free agency unless an offer is made that blows him away?
Bradley Jr.: "Absolutely. 100 percent. Back in the day, it seemed like everyone was excited to test free agency. Obviously with the way things have been going lately some people might not be as excited. I feel like if you have trust in yourself, trust in your ability you should be and I’m still excited about the opportunity to go to free agency."
So now we sit here, just a few days away from the Major League Baseball trade deadline with Bradley Jr. either a few hours or a few weeks away from ending his run as a Red Sox. It should allow for some reflection, particularly considering how the 30-year-old has entered these days in the spotlight like never before.
In a nutshell ... it's complicated. That's why real reflection is important.
The determination not to trade him, but then the unwillingness to keep him away from free agency is just part of the equation. Bradley Jr. was the first-round pick who made to the major leagues in less than two years. (Remember that walk on Opening Day in 2013?) A career path that took three more years after that debut before he was finally considered the team's no-doubt-about-it centerfielder, routinely riding an offensive roller coaster that would almost ultimately end up at the same place. (His offensive production basically lines up with Rich Gedman in virtually the same amount of plate appearances.)
He was the American League Championship Series MVP who won the award with just three hits. He was a player who always asked about a person's family before the person's profession. He was the guy who was first to text condolences and concern to reporters upon the sudden passing of the Boston Globe's Nick Cafardo.
Then there was the defense. Longtime Red Sox fans finally gave up any debate about who was the best they ever saw a while ago. Bradley Jr. was and is that good.
The player who went from isolating himself from many teammates and coaches early in his career, to proclaiming to WEEI.com he was going to go "all Marshawn Lynch" in his approach to the media prior to the 2015 season, to the guy who has currently defined his intelligence and determination by expertly navigating his role as this team's spokesman.
It has undoubtedly been a process. But where Bradley Jr. has landed should be applauded and relished.
It is almost fitting some teams' determination of whether or not to take a run at Bradley Jr. in this trade market might hinge on how this latest offensive upturn works out over the weekend. As much as he can help a club's pennant drive strictly with that glove, it sure would add an extra layer of security to an acquiring team if one of those really awkward slumps wasn't part of the deal.
But no matter what the Red Sox might get back, or even if they choose to ride out the JBJ era for another month, the exercise of appreciation shouldn't change.
It's a good time to soak in what this guy has meant to the Red Sox. It's been a lot.