Cincinnati Reds President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Walt Jocketty today announced the signing of OF Jay Bruce to a 6-year contract through the 2016 season with a club option for 2017.
Following last season, Bruce became eligible for arbitration under Major League Baseball's "Super 2" guidelines. In 148 games for the Reds in 2010 he hit .281 with 25 HR, 70 RBI and 5 stolen bases. In the dramatic 3-2 win vs the Houston Astros on September 28, his walkoff home run on the first pitch from Tim Byrdak clinched the National League Central Division championship.
At age 23, Bruce already has 68 career home runs and 180 RBI over 3 seasons in the majors. According to Elias Sports Bureau, among all active players under the age of 24 he ranks first in HR and second in RBI.
Jay Bruce celebrates after hitting a walk-off homerun to clinch the NL Central title for the Reds.
Bruce set career highs in 2010, batting .281 with 25 HRs, 70 RBIs and a .353 OBP
"We recognize Jay as one of the exceptional young players who form the foundation of our team," Jocketty said. "He's an example of how we are committed to building our organization from within, first by drafting good players and then by holding onto and building around them."
A press conference will be held LIVE at 1:30 p.m. ET on reds.com.
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