BOSTON -- As far as Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. is concerned, the best cure for fixing the racial issues that have divided the nation in recent weeks is for everyone to dig deep inside their heart.

“There’s a lot of feelings, emotions, hurt, pain that goes along with a lot of things that have been voiced,” said Bradley. “It’s something that is not going to be so-called 'fixed' overnight. This is something that, it requires change, it has to start with a change of heart.”

Bradley, speaking in a Zoom call with reporters on Monday, touched his heart for emphasis as he made the point.

“That’s what it all boils down to. You have to have the heart to be able to physically, emotionally and mentally make that change to be better, not only for yourself, but for others around you,” Bradley said. “We’ve come a long way as a nation, but we still have some ways to go, and I’m praying that we can get to the place that we need to be.”

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Bradley, the only African American player in Boston’s starting lineup, is pleased with the discussions he’s had with manager Ron Roenicke and teammates over these issues.

“It felt good to be able to be heard by them and kind of hear what they had to say and for them to listen to me,” said Bradley. “I don’t have all the answers, but I do know it helps if we come together. Knowing that we’re together and being able to make a difference, that goes a long way.”

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Bradley was aware of the comments former Major League outfielder Torii Hunter made about having no-trade clauses to the Red Sox in his contract throughout his career due to racism he experienced from fans at Fenway Park.

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“I've talked with Torii since I was a rookie. He's an amazing mentor. Someone that you can go to and just discuss anything, whether it's just life, baseball, family,” said Bradley. “There's a lot of guys that I've spoken with along the way. For them to give me knowledge to use and help my career is something that I'm very appreciative for.”

Asked whether he had experienced similar things at Fenway Park in his six seasons playing for the Red Sox, Bradley chose not to cite anything specific.

“I think everybody has different experiences, and I'm not here to compare my experience to [Hunter's],” Bradley said. “I'm sure we've all had different experiences in certain situations, certain places. But I just hope we get better and make a change. It all boils down to people just have to want that change. You can't force it on anybody. We have to show a lot more love in this country.”

Asked whether he liked playing in Boston, Bradley answered affirmatively but otherwise didn’t elaborate.

Bradley will be a free agent at the end of the 2020 season.