Milton Bradley’s tenure with the Mariners came to an unceremonious end last week when he was designated for assignment. “We felt Milton was not part of our future and not part of our present,” said GM Jack Zduriencik. “Therefore, the move was made.”
Bradley, 33, was hitting just .218/.313/.356 at the time of move, which actually raised his overall batting line with the Mariners to .209/.298/.351 in 393 plate appearances. He was in the final year of the three-year, $30MM contract he signed with the Cubs, and Seattle is still on the hook for his $12MM salary this season.
At least five executives doubt that Bradley will get another chance in the big leagues, citing his declining performance and behavioral issues. The Padres are unlikely to bring him back despite what might be the league’s worst offense. Teams have shown that they’re willing to put up with distractions as long as the player produces, which can’t be said about Bradley right now.