Puma: Mets may only be able to market Jay Bruce to two teams

With the Toronto Blue Jays closing in on signing Jose Bautista and Philadelphia Phillies closing in on signing Michael Saunders, Mike Puma of the New York Post says that the New York Mets may have to get creative in their efforts to trade Jay Bruce, who became expendable when the club signed Yoenis Cespedes to a four-year contract worth $110 million in November.

Reports on Monday indicated the Blue Jays were close to re-signing Bautista, and the Phillies on the verge of completing a deal with Saunders. Both teams had been potential landing places for Bruce, who is owed $13 million in 2017.

Last week, general manager Sandy Alderson indicated there is a real possibility the Mets could begin spring training with Bruce still in a Mets uniform, making for a crowded outfield that would also include Cespedes, Curtis Granderson, Michael Conforto and Juan Lagares.

Puma feels that the Giants and Rangers are among the teams that could still look to acquire Bruce.

Both the Giants and Rangers showed interest in Bruce at the trade deadline last year and have outfield vacancies.