Former Mets outfielder and free agent Jay Bruce has been linked to New York this offseason as a potential reunion candidate, and has now lowered his asking price for a contract.
The 30-year-old was initially seeking a five-year deal, but is reportedly now seeking a four-year pact, according to Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News.
The Mets and San Francisco Giants have recently expressed interest in Bruce, but only if he would be willing to take a three-year deal. The former also reportedly met with his agent at the Winter Meetings, though there is no traction on a deal at this point.
Bruce was good for 2.9 WAR in 2017 between the Mets and Cleveland Indians. With New York, he launched 29 homers and drove in 75 runs while hitting to a .256/.321/.520 clip in 448 plate appearances.
“Bruce is looking for a four-year deal, according to a team source, and the Mets are reluctant to go that long on a deal with him, considering they need a place for Michael Conforto to play and they expect Dominic Smith to eventually be their everyday first baseman,” Ackert said in her piece. “They are in a wait-and-see mode with the slugger they dealt to the Indians in August to shed payroll.”
Earlier this offseason, the Mets were looking for a Bruce type player who could play corner outfield while slotting into first base. Though their overall offseason plan now looks a bit fuzzy.
The market has been slow to develop on the offensive side, so if he can be had on a three-year deal, maybe the Mets make a push for him. However, at this point, it still seems like they will be trying to fill the void at second base for now.
