According to ESPN’s Jim Bowden while a guest on MLB Network, the Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly discussing a deal for outfielder Jay Bruce with the New York Mets.
No other particulars were mentioned and there was no indication of how far along any discussions were, but interesting to hear nonetheless.
At last week’s GM meetings in Arizona, Sandy Alderson acknowledged that teams had expressed interest in outfielders Jay Bruce, Michael Conforto and Curtis Granderson. “I think people are aware that we are left handed. I won’t be any more specific than that.”
Toronto tried to acquire Bruce last offseason but negotiations with the Cincinnati Reds broke down at the end.
I had a conversation with one of my writers this morning as to what kind of value we can get back for a Bruce in a trade. And the short answer is probably a little less than what it cost us to acquire him. Perhaps a team’s 5th to 10th ranked prospect, or on the major league level a solid reliever with at least two years of control.
Given his less than average defense in right or left field, Bruce would be an ideal candidate for a switch to the junior circuit. He is even more ideal for a team like the Jays who have lost some significant power with the departures of Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion.
Still, the Mets won’t deal Bruce until they get some resolution on whether they can re-sign Yoenis Cespedes. If they do, they will double back with the Jays or any other team that expressed interest in Bruce.
