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The New York Mets could have Jay Bruce on their roster before the day’s end. But it's still too early to know for sure.
According to ESPN.com, the deal would potentially involve the Mets sending pitcher Zack Wheeler to the Cincinnati Reds in what could be a player for player deal. This deal would also come less than 48 hours after it appeared that the Mets traded for Carlos Gomez from the Milwaukee Brewers. A few days later, and it looks like they’re going after another former All-Star outfielder. Bruce is signed through 2017 for roughly $25 million.
#Mets and #Reds doing due diligence on Zack Wheeler and Jay Bruce. Pretty far along. Don't know if another player would be involved.
— Adam Rubin (@AdamRubinESPN) July 31, 2015
It was reported that the Mets backed out of the Gomez deal because of an issue with Gomez’s hip, but he was later traded to the Houston Astros with no medical issues. All the players involved in the upcoming trade have to pass physicals from their new teams.
If there is a deal, Bruce would likely start in right field while Curtis Granderson would shift over to center. The move would give New York the bat in the lineup it needs to help plug the middle of the order.
It's been a solid year for Bruce with a .253 BA, which is actually better than his .217 BA for 2014. He has 15 homers and 49 RBI. The value of Bruce is based off his power and his 2011-2013, three straight seasons of over 30 HR and 300 RBI. Last season was one filled with injuries but he's healthy now and producing at a solid level.
If this trade scenario plays out, the Reds would potentially get a legit young starter in Wheeler. The 25-year-old has missed the entire 2015 season because of Tommy John surgery. He won't be back until the beginning of the 2016 season. The right-hander is one of the many young arms the Mets have on their staff or in the minors. In 49 career starts in the MLB, Wheeler has an 18-16 record with a 3.50 ERA. He struck out 187 batters in 2014, which was tops for the Mets.
