When the Seattle Mariners’ front office decided to go into all-out “sell mode” after a disappointing start to the season, they made sure to let teams know that any and all of their players would be available in trade talks.
The first domino of the equation fell on Sunday, when the Mariners agreed to send outfielder Jay Bruce to the Philadelphia Phillies.
The Phillies made perfect sense for a trade partner for Bruce due to their desire to add an outfielder, especially after they lost Odubel Herrera to suspension.
Bruce looks to be likely to start the majority of Philadelphia’s games against right-handed pitchers. The lefty outfielder is much more effective hitting against righties.
The Phillies will send prospect Jake Scheiner to Seattle in exchange for Bruce as well as some salary relief.
The veteran outfielder is under contract through the end of the 2020 season.
Philadelphia will hope that Bruce can shake off a rough start to the season. The outfielder is only hitting .212 in the young season, but has slugged 14 home runs.
