Dodgers: Pass or pursue on the 10 biggest free agents this offseason
By Jason Reed
6. OF Jay Bruce
Jay Bruce has been the essential trade piece for two title contending teams in the last two years. First, Bruce was traded following a nine-year stint with the Cincinnati Reds to the New York Mets in 2016. This was a year after falling short in the 2015 World Series and Bruce was supposed to the piece to get them over the edge.
Of course, the Mets missed the postseason in 2016 and prompting a trade to another contender. This time it was the Cleveland Indians, who also fell short in the World Series. Bruce played well in 43 games with the Indians, hitting seven home runs in the process, but really failed to show any consistency to take the team to the next step.
The Dodgers should recognize these mistakes and not become the third consecutive World Series losing team to acquire Bruce. It would be a bit easier for the Dodgers, as he is now a free agent, but it would not be worth it. Bruce’s fielding in left field would only be taking a step back and his estimated $22.6 million salary is not worth the strikeouts.
Although it is intriguing on the surface to add an outfielder capable of 35 home runs, it is not a move that makes sense for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bruce is best suited for an American League team, where he can finally make the long-awaited move to DH.