Jackie Bradley Jr., Red Sox avoid arbitration with $3.6M deal

The Boston Red Sox announced they avoided salary arbitration with seven players Friday, including All-Star outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr., who agreed to a $3.6 million deal, a source told ESPN's Jerry Crasnick.

Bradley made $546,500 last season and will be eligible for arbitration in each of the next three years.

In addition, sources told ESPN that the Red Sox reached deals with six other players -- shortstop Xander Bogaerts ($4.5 million), infielder Brock Holt ($1.95 million), catcher Sandy Leon ($1.3 million) and pitchers Robbie Ross Jr. ($1.82 million), Joe Kelly ($2.8 million) and Tyler Thornburg ($2.05 million).

Bradley, 26, enjoyed a breakout season in 2016, batting .267 with career highs of 26 home runs, 87 RBIs and 94 runs scored. He was voted a starter for the American League in the All-Star Game and helped Boston win the AL East with a 93-69 record.

A first-round draft selection in 2011, Bradley is a .237 career hitter with 40 homers and 170 RBIs in parts of four seasons with the Red Sox.