Jay Bruce Reportedly Targeted by Rockies, Mariners amid Mets Rumors

A market is reportedly starting to develop for free-agent outfielder and first baseman Jay Bruce.According toUSA Today's Bob Nightengale, the Seattle Mariners and Colorado Rockies have emerged as possible suitors for the 30-year-old.Newsday's Marc Carig also reported Thursday that Bruce and the New York Mets have "mutual interest in a reunion" after he was shipped to the Cleveland Indians in August.On Nov. 8, ESPN.com'sJerry Crasnickreported teams that had "inquired" about Bruce were informed he's seeking a five-year deal worth somewhere between $80-90 million.That's a steep price to pay for a 10-year veteran who will turn 31 years old on April 3, but Bruce is coming off a strong season that was split between the Mets and Indians.In 617 total plate appearances, Bruce slashed .254/.324/.508 with an .832 OPS, career-high 36 home runs and 101 RBI.Bruce also played encouraging defense as a corner outfielder.According toFanGraphs, Bruce ranked seventh among all qualified right fielders with six defensive runs saved and ninth among his positional peers with a 1.8 UZR.Based on those figures and the dearth of power hitters available this winter, Bruce should have plenty of leverage when it comes time to negotiate.
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