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New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds Rework Jay Bruce Deal

ByKenneth Teape|
May 29, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce (32) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce (32) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets were ultimately able to land Jay Bruce from the Cinncinati Reds after the original deal fell through because of poor medical tests.

TheNew York Metsand Cincinnati Reds looked to have a deal done forJay Bruceearlier in the day. The original deal included outfielderBrandon Nimmo, and two other prospects going to the Reds in exchange for Bruce.

Source says a medical issue might be holding up the Bruce deal between#Metsand#Reds. Stay tuned.

— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick)August 1, 2016

But, there was a snag in the deal as one of the lower level prospects reportedly had a bad medical report. As a result, the trade was taken off the table and the two teams had to go back to drawing board.

This is something the Mets and their fans have become all too familiar with, as they had a similar situation arise at last season’s trade deadline. The Mets looked like they had a deal done with the Milwaukee Brewers forCarlos Gomez.Wilmer FloresandZack Wheelerwould be heading to Milwaukee as part of the deal.

Everyone remembers Flores playing with tears, as the deal was being reported on social media so fans knew there was a deal brewing, but the players were unaware in the dugout. Once word began circulating, Flores was removed from the game as he was overcome with emotion, seen crying on the field.

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That deal never become official, and broke down once the Mets didn’t like medicals that they saw. There were worries that the same thing would happen this year, but the medical in question wasn’t about the main part of the package in Bruce as it was with Gomez last season.

As a result, the Mets and Reds were able to get back to the negoiating table and hammer out a new deal. In the revamped deal,Dilson Herrerawas the main piece going back to the Reds, and will be joined byMax Wotellin the deal, not Nimmo.

Herrera was expected to be a part of the Mets future in the middle infield at second base. But, withJose Reyesback in town, andGavin CecchiniandAmed Rosarionot far behind, the Mets were probably more comfortable trading away Herrera now than they were at the beginning of the season.

Wotell was their third round pick in the 2015 MLB Entry Draft out of Marvin Ridge High School. The 19-year old has had a solid professional debut, with a 3.47 ERA in 40 1/3 innings over 15 appearances, six of which were starts.

It is a solid haul for the Reds, as they can a high upside pitcher with a player in Herrera that could be ready to play at the major league level right away.

As for the Mets, they have added a much-needed power bat to the middle of their lineup. The acquisition of Bruce gives the Mets some protection forYoenis Cespedesin the lineup, and another run producing option; Bruce leads the National League in RBI with 80.

Next: Most Impactful New York Mets Trades Of Past 20 Years

WhileTerry Collinswill have a tough time maneuvering his lineup every night, the Mets have undoubtedly upgraded their lineup from a talent standpoint, as Bruce brings a solid run producing bat to a team that is better than only the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves in scoring runs.

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