A deal that was reportedly close on Saturday is now complete, as according to an NBC Sports Philadelphia report, the Phillies have now acquired Jay Bruce from the Seattle Mariners.
As part of the deal the Phillies are expected to pay most of the remaining money on Bruce's deal, which totals around $21 million and goes into the 2020 season. Bruce is a free agent after 2020.
It is possible Bruce could be with the team as soon as their Sunday night game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Bruce, a 12-year veteran, is hitting .212 this season with an OBP of .283 to go along with 14 home runs, 28 RBIs and 16 walks.
Over his career Bruce, 32-years old, is hitting .246 with an OBP of .317 and an OPS of .785. Although he is not the player he used to be, he could be an excellent addition to the bench. Bruce could be the veteran this team needs as they (presumably) start playing in games that will have playoff implications -- and eventually in the postseason.
Bruce would be the top left-handed bat off the bench. The trade is not be good news for Nick Williams, who has struggled this season and will likely see his at-bats decrease after this move.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
