Mets Rumors: Toronto Blue Jays Check In On Jay Bruce
New York Mets Rumors: The Toronto Blue Jays have reportedly checked in on Jay Bruce, hoping to acquire him to be a part of a platoon.
New York Mets rumors have really began to pick up in recent days. The Mets offseason really revolves around if they believe they can retain Yoenis Cespedes. Cespedes is expected to reject the qualifying offer and test the market. He is projected to land a contract for more than $100 million.
The Mets offseason will hang in the balance until they can get a clear answer on what Cespedes is doing. If he comes back, there will be other moves to made in the outfield. If he leaves, the Mets will probably look for cheaper options to help fill out the bench.
There will be a domino effect with whatever Cespedes decides. The person that will be affected the most is Jay Bruce. Bruce was acquired by the Mets at the trade deadline from the Cincinnati Reds, but his time with the Mets could be short lived.
Bruce struggled mightily throughout his Mets tenure. He slashed a poor .219/.294/.391 with eight home runs and 19 RBI in his time in Queens. That was a major drop off after he slugged 25 home runs and led the National League with 80 RBI at the time of being traded. Bruce is a clumsy fit in the Mets outfield and is someone that could be moved this winter.
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The Mets picked up his option, which was a foregone conclusion. Part of the reason he was acquired was as insurance for Cespedes leaving this winter. If the Mets are able to retain Cespedes, Bruce would become an expendable piece. Despite picking up his option, it does not guarantee that he will remain with the team.
If the Mets do entertain trading Bruce, one team to keep an eye on is the Toronto Blue Jays. According to ESPN’s Jim Bowden on MLB Network Radio, the Blue Jays and Mets have discussed a trade for Bruce as they look for a platoon partner with Melvin Upton.
.@JimBowden_ESPN: "#BlueJays are in on Josh Reddick & have discussed a trade with #Mets for Jay Bruce. Working on LH platoon for Upton"
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) November 13, 2016
The Blue Jays could lose a lot of pop this offseason with Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion both free agents. There aren’t many players capable of coming close to replicating that production on the free agent market so the Blue Jays could turn to trades to help fill the void.
Bruce would provide a power left-handed bat to complement the right-handed hitting Upton. The Blue Jays interest in Bruce should come as no surprise. They thought that they had acquired him last offseason in a three-team trade. But, things fell apart because of a physical with one of the prospects involved and a deal was never consummated.
This is something to keep an eye on as the Blue Jays like Bruce. He was someone they wanted previously and continue to monitor. The chances of the Mets trading Bruce is tied to Cespedes. If Cespedes is retained, the Mets will probably work harder on moving Bruce.
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With Michael Conforto, Curtis Granderson and Juan Lagares still on the roster, the need for Bruce with Cespedes around isn’t as dire. But if Cespedes moves on the Mets will need a power hitter in the middle of their lineup. Bruce isn’t Cespedes but he would help offset the loss with the power potential he brings from the left side of the plate.