Jay Bruce’s season has taken another turn — one that will bring him back to the NL East as a Mets’ foe.
The former NY Mets outfielder says he has been traded from the Seattle Mariners to the Philadelphia Phillies, a deal that will cost the the NL East leaders just $2.75 million over the next 1½ seasons.
As part of the trade finalized Sunday, Seattle agreed to pay the Phillies $18,567,204 next Jan. 15, offsetting most of the $21,317,204 remaining in the $39 million, three-year contract Bruce agreed to with the Mets in January 2018.
It’s unclear what the restocking Mariners are getting in return. Reports emerged Saturday that the two clubs were working on a deal.
“I figured this would be the situation,” Bruce said. “It’s bittersweet. I really like the group of guys here. I got to know some of them and had great relationships. It’s part of the business, though. I get to go somewhere I have a chance to win, and at this point in my career, that’s pretty paramount for me.”
Bruce is owed $8,317,204 this year from his $13 million salary and has a $13 million salary in 2020. The Mets remain responsible for the second $1.5 million installment of his $3 million signing bonus, a payment due next Jan. 31.
The 32-year-old Bruce is hitting .212 with 14 homers and 28 RBIs. He has struck out 53 times in 184 at-bats.
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