As time continues to tick by and we get closer to spring training, Jay Bruce remaining a New York Met begins to look like more of a reality. It has to beg the question, does anyone want this guy?
Bruce’s most likely suitors have all filled their needs with other players. The Blue Jays re-signed Jose Bautista. The Phillies signed Michael Saunders. The Orioles will have a reunion with Mark Trumbo.
There has to be some team out there who may want a player who hit 33 homers last year to go along with 99 RBI, right? Mike Puma of the NY Post believes it may be down to two teams for Sandy Alderson to work some magic with as he tries to get Bruce out of town, paving the way for Michael Conforto to see regular playing time.
Puma believes that both the San Francisco Giants or the Texas Rangers could look to acquire the 29-year-old slugger. Both teams had shown interest in Bruce at the trading deadline prior to the Mets acquiring him for top prospect, Dilson Herrera.
With spring training now less than a month away and the Mets wanting to get clarity on their outfield situation, Bruce’s price is surely to go down for other teams. There is also the possibility they will now include money in a deal, something they were previously reluctant to do. Bruce is owed $13 million for the upcoming season.
The Mets were said to be seeking two prospects in any deal for Bruce, where at this point they may just need to settle for less than expected. The demand for Bruce has surely not been what anyone could have expected, seeming simply nonexistent.
