FLUSHING, N.Y., January 16, 2018 – The New York Mets announced today that they have signed three-time All-Star outfielder Jay Bruce to a three-year contract.
Bruce, 30, hit a career-best 36 home runs and drove in over 100 RBI (101) for the second time in his career last season in 146 combined games between the Mets and Cleveland Indians. Bruce hit .256 (104-406) with 29 of his 36 home runs while driving in a team-high 75 runs with the Mets. In five games during American League Division Series with Cleveland, Bruce went 5-18 (.278) with one double, two home runs and four RBI. In 15 career postseason games, Bruce has four home runs and 10 RBI.
Over 153 career games with the Mets after being acquired at the trade deadline on August 1, 2016 from Cincinnati, Bruce has batted .245 (141-575) with 25 doubles, 37 home runs and 94 RBI. His 37 home runs and 94 RBI in that time led the team.
“I'm excited to return to the Mets to help finish what we set out to do at the beginning of last season and return to the postseason for the best fans in baseball," Bruce said. "We have a terrific group of guys in place and I'm excited to get back to work.”
In addition to his three All-Star selections (2011, 2012 and 2016) during his 10-year major league career, Bruce has won two Silver Slugger Awards (2012, 2013) and hit 263 home runs as a rightfielder, tied for the most by any rightfielder in major league baseball since 2008 with Giancarlo Stanton. His 800 RBI since 2008 lead all major league rightfielders while his 91 outfield assists are most in the majors for an outfielder since 2008.
Since 2010, Bruce has seven seasons of 25 or more home runs, tied for the most in the majors with Adam Jones.
“Jay has proven to be a leader both on and off the field while continuing to produce at a high level throughout his major league career,” Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson said. “We’re glad to have Jay back in the fold as we continue our pursuit to return to the postseason.”
Over 10 major league seasons with the Reds, Mets and Indians, Bruce has batted .249 (1294-5205) with 272 doubles, 277 home runs and 838 RBI.
No comments:
Post a Comment