The Toronto Blue Jays are among the teams making a push for New York Mets outfielder Jay Bruce, sources tell Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com. “They’re in serious need of corner outfield help.”
With Yoenis Cespedes now signed, sealed and delivered, it was only a matter of time until suitors for Jay Bruce started to emerge. The Mets have more outfielders than they can shake a stick at and if the Mets can flip Bruce for a quality reliever it’s a huge win for the team. Not only they do fill a vital spot in the bullpen, but they free up some money for other needs.
Bruce, 29, was traded to the Mets from the Cincinnati Reds at the trade deadline last August for prospects Dilson Herrera and Max Wotell. However, he struggled mightily for the Amazins before coming to life during the last week of the season, a case of too little too late.
Leading the NL in RBIs at the time he was acquired, Bruce batted just .219/.294/.391 with the Mets with only eight home runs and 19 RBIs in 187 plate appearances. He’s owed $13 million next season after which he becomes a free agent.
