The New York Mets are open to the idea of free agent outfielder Jay Bruce returning on a three-year deal according to Mike Puma of the New York Post. Puma also reports that Bruce is currently seeking a five-year deal.
MLB Trade Rumors predicted that Bruce would get three-years, $39 million while Jon Heyman predicted three-years, $36 million.
Bruce is coming off a season in which he set a career-high in home runs with 36 and was a positive defensive player in right field as well as playing some first base.
That being said, there is no way he’s getting five years.
Original Post – Nov. 30
The New York Mets and free agent outfielder Jay Bruce have mutual interest in a reunion according to Marc Carig of Newsday.
Bruce, 30, hit .254/.324/.508 with a career-high 36 home runs, 101 RBI and 115 OPS+ in 147 games between the Mets and the Cleveland Indians in 2017.
The Mets traded Bruce to the Indians in August for relief prospect Ryder Ryan.
With the disappointing debut of Dominic Smith and the uncertainty surrounding Michael Conforto coming back from shoulder surgery the Mets are seeking someone that can play first base as well as right field.
Bruce played 12 games at first base in the majors during the 2017 and looked passable there with 0 DRS in 91 innings. He had 6 DRS in right field combined for the season.
The Mets have also been tied to Eric Hosmer, Carlos Santana, Adam Lind and Logan Morrison this offseason to varying levels.
