MLB free agency: Mets, Rockies, Blue Jays, Mariners in on Jay Bruce

The Mets, Rockies, Blue Jays and Mariners are lookIng at the possibility of signing outfielder Jay Bruce, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.

The Mets’ interest in the 30-year-old Bruce is not a surprise, as both parties reportedly had mutual interest. Bruce played parts of two seasons with the Mets, as he was traded to New York from the Reds at the non-waiver deadline in 2016 and he played the first four months of 2017 before being dealt to the Indians in August during the waiver deadline. He would be seen as not only an outfielder for them, but possibly platoon at first base.

Bruce ended up with a .248/.331/.477 slash line with the Tribe, but he helped them pull away in the regular season by contributing to their American League record 22-game winning streak (hit a walk-off single for win No. 22) and was the only one Indian who could hit against the Yankees during the ALDS, where Cleveland lost in five games. Bruce finished the year with 36 home runs and 101 RBI overall.

The Blue Jays have been pursuing Bruce since the beginning of the offseason. They could use Bruce in both their lineup and the outfield, which was regarded as one of the worst in baseball this season. Slugger Jose Bautista, the team’s star right fielder, is a free agent this year as well and they have a below-average platoon in left field in Ezequiel Carrera and Steve Pearce.

The Rockies and Mariners could also use Bruce because he would be able to fill their respective needs. The Rockies need a right fielder since Carlos Gonzalez is a free agent and the Mariners need a first baseman since Yonder Alonso and Danny Valencia are free agents as well.

However, Bruce wants a pay raise, as he is looking for a five-year deal that could range between $80-90 million. Bruce made $13 million last year.