Giants set sights on free-agent Bruce

SAN FRANCISCO -- At least one more major move seemed possible for the Giants following Wednesday's acquisition of Evan Longoria from Tampa Bay.
They appeared to be the favorites to sign Jay Bruce, who's among the top outfielders available in free agency.
Matt Sosnick, the agent representing Bruce, spoke candidly about the Giants' chances of forging a deal with his client.
"I think it works out as a perfect fit for the Giants, and we have to figure out the lay of the land, whether it works for the Giants and if it works for us," Sosnick said Wednesday on KNBR-AM, the Giants' flagship radio station. "I think if Jay ended up in San Francisco, he'd be thrilled."
Sosnick explained that after negotiations on Bruce's behalf with Houston unraveled, they focused on the Giants, who are intent on upgrading their offense. San Francisco ranked last in the Major Leagues in homers (128) and slugging (.380) and next-to-last in runs (639) and on-base percentage (.309) last season.
Bruce, 30, has exceeded 20 homers in nine of his 10 seasons and amassed a career-high 36 in 2017 with the Mets and Indians. His lifetime slash line of .249/.319/.472 is garnished by 277 homers and 838 RBIs.
A left-handed batter, Bruce has thrived at AT&T Park, where he has hit .293/.357/.526 with seven home runs and 22 RBIs in 130 plate appearances.
Bruce, whose 2017 salary was $13 million, likely could command a four-year contract from any of the five or six teams he's considering.

The Giants also need a center fielder, fueling speculation regarding Jacoby Ellsbury of the Yankees. MLB Network insider Jon Heyman reported that Ellsbury might consider waiving the no-trade clause in his contract for a few teams, including San Francisco.
However, it's highly unlikely that the Giants have interest in paying Ellsbury the $21.1 million he's due to receive annually through 2020.