According to a report by Philadelphia beat writer Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com, the New York Mets are holding out for two prospects in exchange for outfielder Jay Bruce.
The Phillies, he writes, have had longstanding interest in Bruce, however they are committed to hanging on to their prospects, and feel that they could sign Brandon Moss or Michael Saunders on a short-term deal without having to give up any of their prospects.
Last week, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported that the Phillies are looking to add a bat to play a corner outfield position or first base and he too mentioned the Phillies had their eyes on Saunders and Moss.
He also added that the Phillies could be interested in a hitter like like Bruce, but they were not interested in moving more than a lower tier prospect for such a hitter.
As long as sluggers like Mark Trumbo, Jose Bautista and Mike Napoli remain on the free agent market, it will be difficult for the Mets to deal Bruce, and it does not appear as though Sandy Alderson will simply move his excess corner outfielder is a straight salary dump. Rightfully so.
Incidentally, the Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles and Texas Rangers are still reportedly interested in Bruce.
