New York Mets: Jay Bruce joins NL East division rival
The New York Mets are still figuring out their team as we enter June while a division rival has added a former teammate to raise the stakes.
As the New York Mets continue to work things out with their roster, while maintaining a presence in the division, it appears a close rival has taken on a former teammate. After days of speculation, the Philadelphia Phillies officially acquired outfielder Jay Bruce from the Seattle Mariners yesterday. Philly nabbed the former Mets player to provide insurance in the outfield and at first base.
Bruce who currently has 14 home runs recently hit his 300th career long ball. He has been showing something that was rarely available during his time in New York. The 12-year MLB veteran has remained relatively healthy so far this season.
Bruce was infamously part of the two different trades from the Mets in the past and the most recent that originally sent him to Seattle. The Mariners trade over the winter netted New York both second baseman Robinson Cano and closer Edwin Diaz, each struggling to find consistency with the Mets. something Bruce knows about in spades.
The 32-year-old slugger spoke with reporters right after the trade to give praise to the Mets organization and fans.
"“I know they wanted to make a splash and shore up the bullpen and obviously they did that with getting the closer from Seattle, And Robbie Cano obviously has a track record. I think [general manager] Brodie Van Wagenen is going to come in and really try to make his mark and do what he thinks is necessary in order to point the team in the right direction. I wish everybody there the best.”"
https://twitter.com/Mariners/status/1134672237179490304
"“If I am on the field playing and healthy, then performance is not an issue,” Bruce said. “I just hope people in New York remember me as a guy who wanted to play and play well and not a lot of frills. I was honest and I was truthful and tried not to cause too much commotion, one way or another.”"
Bruce will be a much-needed extra option for the Phillies who still look poised to make a deep run in the National League Playoffs especially after the big offseason acquisition of Bryce Harper. The Mets are fighting for stability and a shot at the playoffs it’s would be interesting to see if Bruce will be a factor later in the season during the pending division matchups.