Mark Sheldon is reporting that Reds’ right fielder Jay Bruce is interested in negotiating an extension that would essentially make him a Cincinnati Reds player for life.
Reds right fielder Jay Bruce has long-term commitments on his mind of late — both of the personal and professional variety.
In a couple of weeks, Bruce will make a lifetime commitment to his fiancee when the two celebrate their wedding day. On the baseball side of life, the 25-year-old would like to sign an extension that would enable him to possibly finish his career in Cincinnati.
Bruce is interested in adding another six years to the deal. The timing might seem odd since he is already under a contract that is guaranteed through 2016.
“[Bruce] made it clear that he wants to be a Red his entire career,” Bruce’s agent, Matt Sosnick, said. “[Joey] Votto is in his wedding in a couple of weeks and he wants to play with him. He has a lot of friends there. He and his fiancee are very comfortable in Cincinnati. Jay asked me to approach the team and see if something is there. We’ll see if the team has any interest.”
Bruce is already signed through his age-29 season in 2016. Plus the Reds have club option in 2017 for $13 million. JoeyMVP is signed through the 2024 season.
Bruce is coming off a 2012 season where he performed in line with 2011: .252/.327/.514. He hit 34 home runs and drove in 99. He was arguably the Reds 2012 MVP.
We know what Marty Brennaman thinks about this. What say you, Nation?