In 2019, the Philadelphia Phillies traded Jack Scheiner to Seattle for Jay Bruce. The Phillies gave up a non-prospect and only had to pay Jay Bruce $2.75 million of the $23 million he had left on his contract with the Mariners. This was arguably one of the best moves Matt Klentak made as a GM.

The move paid off even more that expected for the Phillies given the fact that Andrew McCutchen tore his ACL in 2019 and Bruce was forced into an everyday player role for the Phillies. He performed well, going on a stretch where he hit .294 with 7 home runs, 4 doubles, and 20 RBI.

In 2020 – over his first 15 games before going down with a quad injury, Bruce hit .245 with 4 home runs and 11 RBI. He did cool off to finish the season, only hitting 5 for 40 with one home run.

Bruce is limited in the field and on the base paths but could provide a nice bat off the bench or if the National League decided to go all-in on the DH in 2021. Injuries and age (34) are definitely concerning and if his production continues to dip on the trajectory it did at the end of the last season, the Phillies should be extra cautious in bringing Bruce back to the club next year.

Even though at times the Phillies were crowded at the DH spot last season, if you can bring back Bruce on a 1-year deal for roughly what the Phillies are paying now, it could be work the risk. However….

As much as I love tweeting BRUUUUUUUUUCE when Jay Bruce crushes one over the fences, without a standard DH, it might be time to say goodbye.

Mandatory Credit: Associated Press