On June 25, 2017, Chasen David Bradford made his Major League debut with the New York Mets, the same organization that drafted him out of Central Florida in 2011. In 28 games, he was 2-0, with three holds and a 3.74 ERA, through 33.2 innings.
After seven years with the Mets, Chasen Bradford earned his way to the majors with heart, grit and a devastating breaking ball that looked like it just dropped off the table and out of the batters sweet spot. When contact was made, the ball did not go very far and was not hit extremely hard. He did his job by getting the outs when they were needed.
On January 18, 2018, the man they nicknamed Black Bear, was designated for assignment by the Mets, but was picked up off waivers by the Seattle Mariners the very next day.
After starting the season in Triple A (7 Games), Seattle called Bradford back to the majors and in 46 games, he was 5-0, with a 3.69 ERA, two holds, and 38 strikeouts in 53.2 innings pitched.
In 2019, Black Bear started with the big club in April, and after a short stint in Triple A in May, Bradford lasted just two games in early June with the Mariners before being put on the shelf with elbow issues. In mid August, Bradford’s season would be halted as he underwent Tommy John Surgery.
Even though Bradford would be forced to miss the 2020 season, the Mariners resigned him for the season to a minor league contract, showing good faith to a reliable pitcher out of their pen.
On November 2, 2020, Bradford became a Free Agent, and prior to the start of the 2021 season, the Atlanta Braves signed him to a minor league contract, restarting his path back to the majors.
In seven games with the Gwinnett Stripers, Bradford has one win, two holds and a 0.87 ERA in 10.1 innings, allowing just one run on four hits, while striking out nine.
The Braves are just 3.5 games behind the first place Mets, but at 25-26, and lingering in the bottom half of the league with a 4.48 ERA, it soon may be time to bring in some fresh arms to help provide some needed relief to a struggling pitching staff. The obvious choice in my mind would be Bradford, who has big league relief experience as well as the lowest ERA of any other Gwinnett reliever with atleast five games under their belt, but time will tell how the Braves choose to use Bradford.
In the meantime, the Las Vegas Native is enjoying baseball again, and he should as he has earned the right to be back in the game again.
Writers Side Note:
I have known Bradford since 2013 and I have been fully impressed with his love and determination to be the best relief pitcher in the game. Throughout his career, Chasen has been faced with many adversities, but he always managed to come out on top and continue with his dream of being a big league pitcher. From waiting seven years for the call to the show, to having to undergo Tommy John Surgery and miss a season and a half, and to recently losing his mom and hero to Cancer. From what Bradford has undergone and the strength that he has shown through it all, its a testament to his humble heart and perseverance to take the challenges head-on that have come his way and to the people with whom he chooses to have in his inner-circle that have all been nothing but positive influences in his life. I am so grateful to God for allowing Chasen to have another chance at doing what he loves.
Bradford is an inspiring person who is ready for a second go-around in the big leagues and show that he has what it takes to be a successful major league relief pitcher in 2021 and beyond.
Good luck my friend, as we are rooting for you!!
