Rays’ Taj Bradley Eyes Hall of Fame Legacy Amid Growing Expectations

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — As the baseball season approaches, Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Taj Bradley is garnering attention for his potential to join the ranks of the game’s elite. During a recent media session, Hall of Famer CC Sabathia expressed his confidence in Bradley’s abilities, envisioning the young pitcher as a future member of the Black Aces, a group of only 15 Black pitchers who have won 20 games in a season.

Sabathia’s remarks followed his induction into the Hall of Fame, during which he highlighted the limited representation of Black starting pitchers in Major League Baseball today. ‘There’s not a lot of us,’ Sabathia said, referencing the challenges that Black athletes face in the sport. ‘You can probably name five or six Black starters.’ He mentioned Bradley among them, recognizing the relationship they have built over time.

‘I’m excited for Taj,’ Sabathia continued. ‘I think he’s got every weapon and capability of going out and being an ace.’ The former pitcher emphasized Bradley’s willingness to learn, stating that he constantly seeks advice on gameplay and preparation.

Bradley, who turns 24 in March, acknowledged the impact of Sabathia’s mentorship. ‘It makes you feel confident,’ he said, while also noting the challenges he faces ahead. Having played parts of two seasons and secured just 13 wins in 48 games (46 starts), Bradley understands the road to success remains steep.

He has welcomed the mentorship from Sabathia and Edwin Jackson, another Black pitcher with a storied career. ‘They tell you you’re going to have to go through some stuff to figure it out on your own,’ Bradley recounted. ‘But they will give you some tips, like, ‘All right, this is your routine, just be big on your body and mentally, and learn the game.’

Bradley’s communication with Sabathia often occurs through phone calls or texts. Their bond strengthened during a home run derby event in the Bahamas in December, where they discussed various aspects of pitching, including scouting reports and physical management. These conversations contribute to Bradley’s growth as he prepares for the upcoming season.

In January, Bradley flipped the script, sharing his own advice with minority pitchers and catchers at the Dream Series development program in Arizona. Reflecting on his experience as a participant in the same program during high school, he conveyed crucial lessons about the realities of a big-league career, noting that even established players ‘are vulnerable’ and face setbacks.

Bradley’s growth both on and off the mound has drawn praise from Rays Manager Kevin Cash. After an impressive start to the previous season, where he posted a 5-1 record with a 0.82 ERA over nine starts, he faced difficulties in the following games, finishing at 0-7 with a 7.88 ERA over his next nine outings.

‘For two months, he was the best pitcher in baseball, pretty easy. Then he had some hiccups,’ Cash said. The manager acknowledged Bradley’s capacity to learn from each experience, highlighting his ability to adapt when faced with challenges. ‘Taj was unique in the fact that he went through a lot as a starting pitcher, maybe as much as any guy on our team and maybe in baseball.’

Bradley has adopted a pragmatic approach to processing struggles, actively reviewing past outings to extract valuable lessons. ‘I’m forcing myself to sit on the couch and go through it,’ he stated, indicating his commitment to self-improvement. ‘The bad and the ugly, just be in the moment, accept it, and then just move on.’

As the season begins, all eyes will be on Bradley, who has shown remarkable promise as a rising talent in the league. He aims not only to improve his game but also to inspire the next generation of players striving to make their mark in baseball.