Mets rumors: Blue Jays interested in Jay Bruce

According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick, the Toronto Blue Jays are one of the teams interested in acquiring Jay Bruce. Sandy Alderson’s acquisition at the trade deadline during the 2016 season, Bruce became expendable when Yoenis Cespedes re-signed with the Mets earlier today.

With Curtis Granderson, Michael Conforto, and Brandon Nimmo all on the 40-man roster, the outfield is overstuffed with left-handed corner outfielders. If all of those players stay healthy, in addition to Juan Lagares, the Mets have plenty of options to fill out their outfield.

Bruce could be a good fit for the Blue Jays, who are searching for a left-handed outfielder to platoon with Melvin Upton Jr. They were interested in acquiring Bruce prior to the 2016 season, so it seems their interest has been renewed.

There has been interest in Jay Bruce since the GM meetings, and now with the Cespedes news, the hot stove got a little warmer. The Mets could trade Bruce for bullpen help or for prospects to free up a spot on the roster. Trading him for a catcher, however, seems unlikely.

Although Bruce had a hot streak down the stretch, his time with the Mets was underwhelming. He batted just .219/.294/.391 with eight home runs and 19 RBIs. While there is a chance one of the other left-handed bats gets moved, it seems the Mets have an opportunity to move someone who has struggled in his brief time in New York.