Mets Rumors: Toronto Blue Jays Making Push For Jay Bruce
New York Mets Rumors: The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly making a push to acquire outfielder Jay Bruce.
New York Mets rumors are bound to pick up in the coming days and weeks. With Yoenis Cespedes re-signing with the Mets, they are now officially open for business. Cespedes’ decision had a big impact on what the Mets were going to do this offseason. With Cespedes now back in the fold, it is time for the Mets to continue rounding out their roster.
One of the moves many people believe the Mets will now make is trading an outfielder. By retaining Cespedes the Mets got back their best hitter, but now there is a logjam in the outfield. Jay Bruce made for an awkward fit when the Mets traded for him at the trade deadline. He was acquired in part to give the team some insurance in case Cespedes left.
But with Cespedes back, the need for Bruce has lessened. There were rumors earlier in the offseason that the Mets could shop Bruce, dependent on what Cespedes decided. Now that Cespedes is back the Mets could increase their efforts in trading Bruce.
One of the teams to keep an eye on are the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays have already checked in on Bruce this offseason. With Cespedes now back with the Mets the Blue Jays are reportedly making a push for Bruce again according to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.
The #Blue Jays are among the teams making a push for Jay Bruce, sources say. They're in serious need of corner OF help.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) November 29, 2016
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Toronto’s interest in Bruce goes back to last offseason as well. The Blue Jays had a three-team trade in place with the Reds and Los Angeles Angels last offseason with Bruce going north of the border. But, the deal fell apart when one of the prospects involved failed their physical. As a result, the deal was nixed and it was not rekindled.
The Blue Jays now have another chance to land Bruce if the Mets are willing to part with him. It makes sense for the Blue Jays to go after him. They have a huge hole in the corner outfield with Jose Bautista and Michael Saunders both free agents. With Edwin Encarnacion also a free agent, Toronto could lose a lot of pop in the middle of their lineup; Bruce could help offset those losses.
The Mets traded away top infield prospect Dilson Herrera for Bruce, but shouldn’t have a problem flipping him again if the price is right.The Mets picked up Bruce’s $13 million option and now could flip him for other assets.
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It isn’t a bad contract to absorb, and the two teams have history doing trades as well. The Mets traded former Cy Young award winner R.A. Dickey to the Blue Jays and acquired Travis D’Arnaud and Noah Syndergaard in return.If the Mets got a package anywhere near that one their fans would be ecstatic.