Phillies GM Matt Klentak hit the nail on the head by adding Jay Bruce.
A mainstay in the National League Central for a decade with the Cincinnati Reds as a noted Phillies Killer, Jay Bruce was acquired in exchange for a minor league infielder and cash considerations. In lieu of the Andrew McCutchen injury, Bruce has been an exceptional plan B.
Making this trade for Bruce was an interesting move in that he hasn’t been able to hit above .220 in 2019 during his short stint with the Mariners. He has struggled to find a home for the past few seasons after such a long stretch with the Reds.
However, the Phillies might be the team the Bruce finishes out his final productive years with.
While he probably won’t remain in the Phillies starting outfield given the emergence of Adam Haseley (pre-injury), Bruce can still play both outfield positions and spot start at first base if called upon.
Left-handed power bats are always a bonus, especially for playoff contenders. But if Bruce continues to produce the way he once did, all bets are off.
Through 18 plate appearances with Philadelphia Bruce is hitting .444 with four home runs and 11 RBI. He’s the first Phillie to hit four home runs in his first four games with the team and the first to collect 11 RBI in his first five games
I would love to see the Phillies front office not being complacent when players go down with injuries. I expect general manager Matt Klentak to spin a few deals before the deadline to further improve depth at positions that have taken hits, mainly the bullpen. It appears the Phillies are priming themselves for a playoff run for the first time in nearly a decade.