Jay Bruce returning to New York Mets

The New York Mets, according to sources, have come to a deal with former player Jay Bruce.

It appears that the New York Mets have finally made the splash in free agency that their fans were hoping for. On Wednesday night Ken Rosenthal reported on Twitter that the Amazins were bringing back Jay Bruce on a three-year deal for $39 million.

Source confirms: Jay Bruce back to #Mets, three years, $39 million. Deal first reported by @Jerrycrasnick.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 11, 2018

In 153 games with the Mets, Bruce blasted 37 home runs and knocked in 94 runs establishing himself as a consistent presence in the Mets lineup. However, Bruce was dealt at the trade deadline to the Cleveland Indians for cash and pitching prospect Ryder Ryan.

Bruce, who will be 31 next season, returns to the Mets and immediately give some much-needed pop from the left side of the plate. Bruce will likely fill the role he did last year, playing a corner outfield spot but also occasionally playing first base. It will be interesting to see if Bruce will see more playing time at first this season especially when Michael Conforto returns from injury.

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The move will likely result in what the Mets did last year playing Yoenis Cespedes and Bruce in the corner outfield spots and having Conforto play center. However, Bruce could be the first baseman down the stretch next season especially if highly touted prospect Dominic Smith continues to struggle at first base.

Bruce was instrumental to Cleveland’s postseason run with seven home runs and 26 RBIs for the Indians down the stretch including an additional two home runs and 4 RBIs in the ALDS against the Yankees.

After a frustrating offseason where it looked like the Mets front office wouldn’t make the moves the fan base was craving, it appears that the patience of Sandy Alderson once again prevailed as the Mets get a bonafide slugger that they know can handle the pressures of New York.

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The biggest winner of this deal is Sandy Alderson who not only got a great player back in the organization but was able to bring him back for a reasonable cost and more importantly a short three-year deal that will not handicap the organization in the long-term.

Mets fans can breathe a sigh of relief. The team finally made their free agent splash by bringing in a proven and familiar slugger.

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