MLB Rumors: Blue Jays interested Dexter Fowler, Jay Bruce

The Toronto Blue Jays are going to have to be one of the active teams in the offseason. Who will they pursue to replace players like Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion if they leave?

It is going to be a challenging offseason for the Toronto Blue Jays. After reaching the playoffs the last two seasons, the Blue Jays have two of their best players hitting free agency at the same time. Both Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion are free agents this offseason, and the Blue Jays are planning on losing them both.

As two of the premier hitters on the market, both Encarnacion and Bautista might be in for pay days that the Blue Jays aren’t willing to match. So, the Blue Jays are looking at other options. According to Jon Heyman of Fanragsports.com, the Blue Jays are interested in outfielders Dexter Fowler and Jay Bruce.

Fowler is also a free agent this offseason, as he turned down a one-year qualifying offer. Fowler had a good season for the Chicago Cubs last season, as he totaled a .276 batting average, .393 on-base percentage, 13 home runs, and 48 RBIs.

In addition to the interest in Fowler, the Blue Jays are also interested in Jay Bruce of the New York Mets. The Mets were recently able to re-sign Yoenis Cespedes to a four-year, $110 million contract. As of now, the Mets outfield is a bit crowded with the return of Cespedes, and the Mets might entertain moving Bruce.

Last season, Bruce totaled a .250 batting average, 33 home runs, and 99 RBIs. Bruce played much better in the first half of the season than he did with the Mets after being traded. Regardless, Bruce is a talented middle-of-the-order hitter.

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Depending on what type of hitter the Blue Jays want to add, both are solid options. A lot will depend on what happens with Encarnacion and Bautista, but the Blue Jays are preparing in case both leave.