New York Mets: Assessing the Jay Bruce Reunion in Queens

In what has been a rather boring and lackluster offseason for the New York Mets perhaps the best is yet to come. The team has reportedly signed Jay Bruce to a contract.

Rejoice New York Mets fans because Jay Bruce is coming back to Flushing Meadows.

The best way I would describe this move is as encouraging but not satisfying.

It’s not that the New York Mets have done nothing this offseason, it’s just that they have not yet addressed some of their biggest issues.

The Mets have now addressed one need as they have reportedly signed Bruce to a three-year contract.

The deal is worth $39 million and will give the slugger his second stint with the Mets.

It is a move that is overwhelmingly beneficial but needs to be assessed properly.

The move fills many needs for the New York Mets.

They desperately needed to bulk up their outfield and this signing does that.

New York also told Bruce he could expect to play some first base.

Dominic Smith needs to have the green light in that position. I’m not saying he doesn’t, but there’s no reason to keep him on his heels. He also needs as many reps as possible.

Although it is not known how much first base Bruce will play, the Mets better hope it does not rattle Smith who is already dealing with backlash.

It is also a good thing that Bruce is only getting three years. Reportedly, he wanted four to five years and the Mets are smart to shy away from that.

It’s not really Bruce’s fault but Mets fans should take this one with a grain of salt. This is really the only team-changing move the Mets have made.

The Mets need to improve on their 70 win season. Getting healthy is the biggest piece to improving on that.

However, the Bruce signing only fulfills one need.

The Mets still have infield problems and need every day guys at second and third base.

The Bruce deal is a huge piece of the puzzle to reclaiming the NL East but I still think they have to make a few more moves to help this one.

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Overall, it is a great signing. He is not going to cost them much money and they negotiated down the years.

But, the New York Mets need to realize there is still more work to do.

Perhaps the next move is a trade for an infielder *cough cough Josh Harrison or Starlin Castro*

Jay Bruce is back with the New York Mets and that is fantastic.

But there are still places on the diamond the Mets need to improve on.

Overall, I’m content with this move. It also buys the Mets time before their fans start rioting due to the lack of winter activity.

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Now, that hot stove season is in full force, let’s keep the moves coming. The New York Mets are not too far away from contending but still not quite there.

Let’s see who’s next on the list of players the Mets “show interest” in. This one worked out well.

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