The market for Jay Bruce is starting to heat up, and shortly after Jon Heyman reported on Thursday evening that a mystery team made him an offer, Bob Nightengale revealed that the Giants reached out to the the 30-year-old outfielder. Although the Giants are one of several interested teams, including the Toronto Blue Jays and New York Mets, and their pairing with Bruce appears to be a match made in heaven.
The #SFGiants formally reach out to Jay Bruce but nothing close at this time. Both sides realize it’s a perfect match
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) December 22, 2017
jay bruce recently received an offer from another team, but rival GMs believe that the #SFGiants have a good shot here, even if they haven't been the most aggressive team to date. jays, mets, others, also interested.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 22, 2017
The Giants entered the offseason with a desperate need in the outfield and it became even more apparent when they traded their former centerfielder Denard Span to the Tampa Bay Rays in return for Evan Longoria on Wednesday. If the Giants were to sign Bruce, who is one of 20 unsigned outfielders remaining on the free agent market, they hope his power will translate to AT&T Park.
Bruce averaged 28 home runs per season over his 10 years in the Major Leagues, despite his batting average finishing higher than .265 only once in his career. Nonetheless, the Giants are in dire need of power and Bruce checks that off their list, along with a suitable glove in the outfield.