The Blue Jays could be interested in bringing Mets’ right fielder Jay Bruce aboard, according to a report by ESPN’s Jim Bowden.
After batting .265/.316/.559 with 25 homers for the Reds through the first half of the season, the 29-year-old came to the Mets in a trade for Cincinnati left-hander Max Wotell and infielder Dilson Herrera. He experienced a sharp decline in the second half and finished the year with a batting line of .219/.294/.391 and eight home runs in 187 PA with the Mets.
This isn’t the first time the Blue Jays have attempted a deal for the outfielder. Back in February, the club was reportedly working on a three-team deal that would have sent Michael Saunders to the Angels, Bruce to the Jays, and several Angels and Jays prospects to the Reds. When an issue arose with one of the Blue Jays’ prospects, discussions were tabled and the deal was nixed.
Bowden didn’t reveal a possible return for Bruce, but noted that the club would like to use him in a left-handed platoon with outfielder Melvin Upton Jr. He is expected to receive $13 million in the final year of his contract.
