NEW YORK – Outfielder Jay Bruce accepted a minor league contract with the New York Yankees on Saturday and will attempt to earn a spot in major league spring training.
The 33-year-old has a chance as a left-handed hitter in a primarily right-wing lineup. The Yankees outfield features ambidextrous center fielder Aaron Hicks and right fielder, batting right, Aaron Judge.
Clint Frazier, another right-hander, is the leading candidate for left field, with Michael Tauchman and Tyler Wade, both left-handed hitters, also contenders but more likely to spend time as backups.
Brett Gardner became a free agent and is talking to the Yankees, but the team and the 37-year-old left-handed hitter have been separated over the money. Gardner joined the Yankees in 2008 and is the longest-serving player on the roster.
Bruce hit .198 with six home runs and 14 RBIs for Philadelphia in 96 at-bats during the pandemic-shortened season. He is a three-time All-Star with a .245 average, 318 home runs and 948 RBIs during 13 Major League seasons with the Reds (2008-15), Mets (2016-18), Indians (2018), Mariners (2019). ) and Phillies.
– .
