Jay Allen Bruce, a former American professional baseball right fielder, played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, Cleveland Indians, Seattle Mariners, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Yankees. Drafted by the Reds in the first round (12th overall) of the 2005 MLB draft, Bruce debuted in 2008. A three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger Award winner, Bruce was a prominent power hitter known for his time with the Reds. While he played for several teams throughout his career, his most notable years were in Cincinnati where he became a fan favorite.
1969: Early Slugging Success
Bruce’s slugging percentage after six games was only exceeded since 1969 by Mike Jacobs in 2005
1977: Historic Start
Bruce's start in the MLB was historic as he became the first player since 1977 to reach base in his first six plate appearances.
April 3, 1987: Jay Bruce Born
Jay Allen Bruce was born on April 3, 1987.
1995: Clinching the NL Central
In 1995, the Reds made their first trip to the postseason since 1995 after Bruce hit a walk-off home run against the Astros.
2005: Drafted by the Reds
In 2005, Jay Bruce was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the first round, 12th overall pick, of the MLB draft.
2005: High School and Draft
In 2005, after graduating from West Brook High School, Jay Bruce was drafted by the Reds and chose to go pro instead of attending Tulane University.
2005: Professional Career Begins
Jay Bruce's professional career began in 2005 playing in the Gulf Coast League and with the Billings Mustangs.
2006: Promoted to Dayton Dragons
In 2006, Bruce was promoted to the Dayton Dragons and had a successful season, earning several accolades and being named a top prospect.
2007: No Big League Look in 2007
Despite a successful minor league season, Jay Bruce was informed he would not play in the major leagues in 2007.
2007: Promotions and Awards
In 2007, Bruce was promoted through various minor league levels, playing for Sarasota Reds, Chattanooga Lookouts, and Louisville Bats. He won several awards, including the Baseball America Minor League Player of the Year.
May 27, 2008: Major League Debut
On May 27, 2008, Bruce debuted in the major leagues against the Pittsburgh Pirates, having a strong game.
2008: Rookie Season Performance and Awards
Bruce had a strong rookie season in 2008, batting .254 with 21 home runs and earning a spot on the All-Rookie Team.
2008: MLB Debut
Jay Bruce made his MLB debut in 2008 with the Cincinnati Reds.
2008: Top Prospect in Baseball
Jay Bruce was ranked the #1 minor league prospect in baseball going into 2008.
2008: Spring Training and Minor League Start
Bruce began 2008 in spring training and started the season at Louisville, performing well before being called up to the majors.
December 9, 2010: Six-Year Contract Extension
On December 9, 2010, Jay Bruce signed a six-year, $51 million contract extension with the Reds.
2011: All-Star Selection and Player of the Month
In 2011, Bruce had a strong May, earning NL Player of the Month and was selected for the All-Star Game.
December 1, 2012: Marriage
Jay Bruce married Hannah Eastham, his high school sweetheart, on December 1, 2012, in Dripping Springs, Texas.
2012: Silver Slugger Award
Bruce had a productive 2012 season, hitting 34 home runs and winning the Silver Slugger Award.
May 5, 2014: Knee Surgery and Debut at First Base
On May 5, 2014, Jay Bruce underwent left knee arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn meniscus and was subsequently placed on the 15-day disabled list. Later that year, on July 7, due to Joey Votto's injury, Bruce made his professional debut at first base. He finished the season with a .217 batting average, 18 home runs, and 66 RBIs.
August 10, 2015: 200th Career Home Run
On August 10, 2015, Jay Bruce achieved a significant milestone by hitting his 200th career home run, becoming the ninth Cincinnati Reds player to reach this mark.
July 9, 2016: Third All-Star Selection and Trade While Leading RBIs
On July 9, 2016, Jay Bruce was selected for his third All-Star game. He was also traded during the season while leading the league in RBIs, a first since the statistic became official in 1920.
August 1, 2016: Trade to the New York Mets
On August 1, 2016, Jay Bruce was traded from the Cincinnati Reds to the New York Mets in exchange for Dilson Herrera and Max Wotell.
August 9, 2017: Claimed by the Cleveland Indians
On August 9, 2017, after the Mets failed to trade him, Jay Bruce was claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Indians. He was traded for minor league pitcher Ryder Ryan.
January 16, 2018: Signs with the Mets
Jay Bruce signed a three-year, $39 million contract with the New York Mets on January 16, 2018.
December 3, 2018: Trade to the Seattle Mariners
On December 3, 2018, the New York Mets traded Jay Bruce, along with other players, to the Seattle Mariners for Edwin Díaz, Robinson Canó, and $20 million.
May 31, 2019: 300th Career Home Run
Jay Bruce hit his 300th career home run off of Tyler Skaggs on May 31, 2019, contributing to the Mariners' 4-3 victory over the Angels.
June 2, 2019: Trade to the Philadelphia Phillies
On June 2, 2019, Jay Bruce was traded from the Seattle Mariners to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for minor league third baseman Jake Scheiner.
February 13, 2021: Signs Minor League Deal with the Yankees
On February 13, 2021, Jay Bruce signed a minor league deal with the New York Yankees.
April 18, 2021: Retirement from Baseball
Jay Bruce announced his retirement from professional baseball on April 18, 2021, citing his inability to perform at his expected level.