Mets trade rumors: Mets asking for two prospects for Jay Bruce

The Mets are asking for two prospects in a trade for Jay Bruce, according to CSN Philly’s Jim Salisbury. The Phillies have had “longstanding interest” in the Mets outfielder, says Salisbury, and the team would like to add a left-handed-hitting outfielder to its roster before the season. Despite the obvious fit, the Phillies are reportedly put off by the Mets’ asking price.

Bruce hit .219/.294/.391 with eight home runs and an 81 wRC+ in 50 games with the Mets last year, but it is clear the team would strongly prefer not to trade Bruce away just for the financial flexibility that shedding his $13 million contract would provide.

Since the Mets signed Yoenis Cespedes early in the offseason, the team has had a crowded outfield. With the team’s reluctance to trade Curtis Granderson and strong desire to retain Michael Conforto, trading Bruce away would be the obvious move. Sandy Alderson recently mentioned the possibility that the Mets would not end up trading an outfielder before the end of the offseason.