:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/52055417/612908772.0.jpeg)
UPDATE: Toronto also has “strong interest” in free-agent outfielder Dexter Fowler, according to a report from Jon Heyman of Fan Rag Sports. Fowler and Bruce appear to be two of the team’s top targets as they search for outfield help.
ORIGINAL: The Blue Jays are “among the teams making a push” for Mets outfielder Jay Bruce, according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com. It’s unclear if the sides are close to a deal.
The Mets re-signed Yoenis Cespedes to a 4-year deal today, meaning Bruce will be readily available in trade talks. Toronto is actively looking for outfield help and has also been connected to free agent Dexter Fowler and trade candidate Adam Eaton (White Sox).
Toronto has long been interested in Bruce, as the team tried to trade for him at the 2015 trade deadline before agreeing to acquire him in a three-team deal with the Reds and Angels last spring. That deal, of course, fell through, leading to the Reds holding onto the veteran and ultimately dealing him to the Mets at the trade deadline. Toronto also pursued Bruce this summer, and appears to be enamored with his skillset.
Bruce, 29, will earn $13 million next season after the Mets exercised his club option. He struggled down the stretch in his first taste of major-league time outside of Cincinnati, but finished with a .250/.309/.506 line and 33 home runs in 147 games on the season.