Report: Mets informed Bruce he will start in RF

Jay Bruce may finally have some peace of mind for next season.

After months of trade speculation surrounding the 29-year-old, the New York Mets have reportedly told Bruce they are anticipating beginning next season with him as the club's starting right fielder, according to the New York Post's Ken Davidoff.

The Mets had been engaged in trade negotiations for months surrounding Bruce, but could not find a club to take on the slugger's $13-million contract. New York's asking price was also reportedly high, as the club was asking for two prospects in return for the outfielder.

Teams who seemed to show interest in Bruce this offseason include the Toronto Blue Jays and Philadelphia Phillies. The Blue Jays, however, instead signed Jose Bautista to a one-year deal to remain in Toronto, while the Phillies found the left-handed-hitting outfielder they were looking for when they agreed to a one-year pact with Michael Saunders.

Acquired at last season's trade deadline from the Cincinnati Reds, Bruce slashed .219/.294/.391 in 50 games with the Mets.