Cleveland Indians right fielder Jay Bruce indicated on Monday that the possibility of him signing with his former non-Ohio team this offseason is not unimaginable.
Asked today if he might consider a FA reunion with the Mets, Jay Bruce said “absolutely,” waxed poetic about NYC. “We’ll see what happens.”
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) August 28, 2017
Jay Bruce Sees Hope in the 2018 New York Mets
After the homegrown Cincinnati Red was dealt to New York at the 2016 trade deadline in exchange for prospects Dilson Herrera and Max Wotell, the start of Bruce’s Mets career was by no means smooth. Living in a hotel away from his family back in Ohio, the slugger struggled mightily while the Mets prospered en route to the playoffs.
Despite offseason trade rumors, Bruce reported to spring training with a chip on his shoulder and fans calling for him to lose his starting job. But the three time All-Star turned “booo” into “Bruuuce,” leading the Mets in home runs and runs batted in through the first four months.
By the time Bruce fulfilled his potential as a Met, the team had a hugely disappointing 2017 season, falling out of contention well before the trade deadline. Yet likely due to a lack of demand in the power-hitting corner outfielder department, the veteran gauged little interest in late July.
After the non-waiver deadline, Sandy Alderson struck a deal with the Indians in return for minor league pitcher Ryder Ryan. Experts analyzed the trade as a salary dump, making Mets fans upset that a player with such numbers didn’t warrant a greater return. But now comes potential solace.
Although almost everything went sour for the Mets in 2017, one loose Bruce sees a reason to give it a second crack.
“Going into spring training with the Mets we thought we were a World Series contender,” Bruce recollected. “I still believe that, had the injuries not taken over.”
Bruce sees what few do in the 2018 Mets: potential. And this offseason, he may decide to be a part of his own vision.
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