Jay Bruce announced he is hanging up his cleats after 14 years in the league. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Yankees veteran slugger Jay Bruce retiring after 14 MLB seasons

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 4/18/21

Sunday will be the last time Jay Bruce takes the field as a Major League Baseball player.

The New York Yankees veteran slugger will retire after Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays, manager Aaron Boone announced prior to first pitch.

Bruce also released a statement saying it was a "very difficult decision" to retire from baseball.

Jay Bruce announces his retirement. pic.twitter.com/bJNmt0ASpO
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) April 18, 2021

Bruce signed a one-year, $1.35 million minors deal with New York during the offseason and appeared in 10 games for the Bronx Bombers this season, slashing .118/.231/.235 with one home run and three RBI on four hits.

The 34-year-old began his career with the Cincinnati Reds, spending nine years with the franchise before playing for the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Cleveland and Seattle Mariners.

Bruce was a three-time All-Star with the Reds and won back-to-back Silver Slugger awards in 2012 and 2013. He also finished 10th in MVP voting in 2012 and 2013.

The Texas native ends his career with a .244/.314/.467 slash line and 319 home runs.

More must-reads: