Possible Offseason Targets for the San Francisco Giants: Jay Bruce

Through the month of October we’ll look at several different targets this offseason that the San Francisco Giants could possibly pursue, continuing with Jay Bruce.

One of the biggest free agent names this offseason will be outfielder Jay Bruce.

The past two seasons he’s been traded at the deadline and helped carry a team into the postseason.

It’s hard to believe, but Bruce has been in the majors for 10 years now. He has a career average of .249 and 277 home runs.

He’s hit 30 or more home runs in five seasons, including the last two. He’s hit 21 or more home runs in nine seasons, with his lowest total being 18.

Another great thing about Bruce is that he’s played in at least 137 games for eight straight seasons.

A huge knock on Bruce is that he doesn’t get on base a lot. He has a career on-base-percentage of .319. Since 2012 he hasn’t had an on-base-percentage higher than .329.

Some other factors pointing down for Bruce are that he’ll play next season at age 31, and he’s not a great defender.

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I think Bruce really fits best with an American League team where they allow players to hit but not play in the field.

He’ll probably be searching for a five year deal, but more likely he’ll get a four year deal with an option year. And I’m guessing he makes around $15 million a year.

I wouldn’t be willing to pay much for than that for Bruce, but I’m sure someone will.

Even though I think there will be some interest from the Giants, I don’t see them paying what it will take to land him. And I really don’t see him as a great fit. I think there are a lot of other outfielders on the market who would be a better fit.

Next: Possible Offseason Targets for the San Francisco Giants: Giancarlo Stanton

We’ll see what happens, but I for one would not be on board with a Jay Bruce signing. His defensive and on-base-percentage limitations won’t be worth what he’s asking.