The Philadelphia Phillies are not waiting around to make improvements with the aim of further entrenching themselves atop the National League East.
According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Phillies are close to acquiring outfielder Jay Bruce from the Seattle Mariners, and the deal should be confirmed within the next day.
The Philadelphia Phillies are nearing a deal to acquire outfielder Jay Bruce from the Seattle Mariners, a club source familiar with the talks tells ESPN. The trade is expected to be finalized within the next 24 hours.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 1, 2019
Bruce won’t come cheap for the Phillies financially, as they’re reportedly taking on the bulk of his contract to use him in a bench role.
A source confirms @JeffPassan: The Phillies are on the verge of acquiring Jay Bruce from Seattle. He'll likely fill a bench role, but he's an option in LF. Phillies will take on most of the contract. He's owed $14 million in 2020.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) June 1, 2019
Bruce is only hitting .212, but he has already hit 14 home runs this season. That’s not a small thing for a Phillies team that ranks 12th in the NL in home runs, and his tally would immediately assume the team lead. It also helps fill the hole left behind by Odubel Herrera after he was placed on leave earlier in the week.
