Phillies and Mariners Reportedly in Deep Discussions on Jay Bruce Trade
By Parker White
ESPN's Jeff Passan got the conversation going on Saturday afternoon across the baseball world, noting that the Philadelphia Phillies were reportedly close to a deal to acquire Seattle Mariners outfielder Jay Bruce. Claiming the trade is expected to be finalized in the next 24 hours, we all started to write this one down in ink.
The Philadelphia Phillies are nearing a deal to acquire outfielder Jay Bruce from the Seattle Mariners, a club source familiar with the talks tells ESPN. The trade is expected to be finalized within the next 24 hours.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 1, 2019
Per a follow-up from Passan, however, it seems the deal has not been agreed to, though most seem to believe it's a perfect fit and will eventually be consummated.
Another source familiar with the Phillies-Mariners discussions on a Jay Bruce trade says they are not far enough along that a deal is imminent. The sides have talked about Bruce, Seattle is willing to deal him and Philadelphia needs a bench bat. No trade agreed to, however.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 1, 2019
At the outset, this is a shocking move by Philadelphia. However, with outfielder Odubel Herrera placed on administrative leave because of a domestic violence incident, the Phillies have a void to fill in the outfield, potentially for the remainder of the season.
The initial plan for Philadelphia in the undertermined absence of Herrera was to have Scott Kingery and Nick Williams pick up the slack in the outfield. However, if they end up with Bruce, manager Gabe Kapler could stick him in a corner outfield spot and have Andrew McCutchen patrol center field.
At worst, Bruce would give the Phillies a veteran left-handed bat off the bench. In 47 games with Seattle, Bruce is hitting .212 with 14 home runs and 28 RBI, displaying his trademark pop.