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

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. 

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:

TODAY'S BEST
Timberwolves chew up Nuggets to force Game 7
Rangers secure spot in conference finals after stunning third-period comeback over Hurricanes
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
Yankees' Hal Steinbrenner shares massive Juan Soto contract update
Steelers' Cameron Heyward addresses contract holdout
Knicks star ruled out for potential closeout game
Dodgers starter undergoes season-ending UCL surgery
Clemson’s Dabo Swinney gives smug response about not using transfer portal
Caitlin Clark's debut was most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years
Watch: Chris Kreider's natural third-period hat trick shatters Hurricanes' comeback hopes
Veteran NFL safety will either play for this team or retire in 2024
Former Red Wings head coach linked to open NHL job
How Patriots' Drake Maye has already impressed Jacoby Brissett
LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry among Forbes' highest-paid athletes for 2024
Steve Cohen addresses if Mets could again be trade-deadline sellers
Tiger Woods ruins strong first round with sloppy finish at PGA Championship
NFL responds to speculation about Chiefs schedule and Taylor Swift
Despite hopes for change, NASCAR championship weekend will return to Phoenix in 2025
Chiefs will achieve something not done since 1927 with 2024 schedule
Yankees' Aaron Judge comments on resurgence after bad slump

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.