Report: Blue Jays remain in talks with Mets about Bruce, Granderson
The Toronto Blue Jays have been active during the offseason thus far, inking Kendrys Morales and Steve Pearce to multi-year deals, while maintaining negotiations with free-agent sluggers Edwin Encarnacion and Jose Bautista, but they're still on the hunt for an outfielder and the New York Mets look to be a target.
Toronto remains in talks with New York about acquiring one of Jay Bruce or Curtis Granderson, reports FOX Sports' Jon Morosi.
The Blue Jays, who are looking to upgrade their current outfield mix of Kevin Pillar, Melvin Upton Jr., and Ezequiel Carrera have been linked to the pair for a good chunk of the offseason, nearly trading for Bruce last year when he was still a member of the Cincinnati Reds.
After signing Yoenis Cespedes to a long-term contract, the Mets are reportedly interested in trading veterans to clear payroll, and with their current influx of outfielders, Bruce and Granderson - who are earning a combined $28 million next season - are likely candidates.
| PLAYER | HR | RBI | OPS | WAR | SALARY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curtis Granderson | 30 | 59 | .799 | 2.6 | $15M |
| Jay Bruce | 33 | 99 | .815 | 0.9 | $13M |
Although the pair have been hot topics amid trade speculation during the offseason, Granderson has reportedly received most of the interest, with the Baltimore Orioles arising as another possible suitor for the 35-year-old's services.
During his three seasons with the Mets, Granderson has slashed .241/.342/.436 with 76 home runs and 195 RBIs.
Bruce's time in New York has been brief, coming to the club in a trade at the non-waiver deadline last season. He hit just .219/.294/.391 upon his arrival, but was a formidable hitter in the Reds' lineup during his nine big-league seasons prior.
During his major-league career, Bruce owns a .248/.318/.467 slash line and has hit 20 or more home runs in all, but one, of his seasons in the bigs.