Report: Mets, Rangers, Giants in pursuit of Jay Bruce
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce is a likely candidate to be moved prior to Monday’s 4 p.m. trade deadline, and there are reportedly three main suitors.
According to Jon Heyman of Today’s Knuckleball, the New York Mets, Texas Rangers, and San Francisco Giants are the leading suitors for Bruce.
ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick added that Bruce isn’t a primary target for the Giants.
The #SFGiants main focus remains pitching, says a source — probably relief more than starting. Jay Bruce is not atop the priority list.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) August 1, 2016
The Mets may be the frontrunner right now. They’re known to be after him, and it’s worth noting that they nearly traded for him at last year’s deadline. Yoenis Cespedes can opt out of his contract at season’s end, and acquiring Bruce would be an insurance policy against that in addition to helping the team in 2016.