LOS ANGELES – Jay Bruce is going from last place to the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies.
The former All-Star outfielder was traded by the Seattle Mariners on Sunday in a deal that will cost the Phillies just $2.75 million over the next 1½ seasons.
"I get to go somewhere I have a chance to win," the 32-year-old said, "and at this point in my career, that's pretty paramount for me."
As part of the deal, Seattle agreed to pay the Phillies $18,567,204 next Jan. 15, offsetting most of the $21,317,204 remaining in the $39 million, three-year contract Bruce agreed to with the New York Mets in January 2018.
Bruce is owed $8,317,204 this year from his $13 million salary and has a $13 million salary in 2020. Philadelphia sent the Mariners Class A infielder Jake Scheiner.
Bruce will join the Phillies for Monday's game at San Diego. He is hitting .212 with 14 homers and 28 RBI.
"It's bittersweet," he said. "I really like the group of guys here. I got to know some of them and had great relationships. It's part of the business, though."
Bruce's last hit with Seattle was his 300th home run, on Friday against the Angels. He is one of eight active players with at least 300 home runs and 300 doubles.
