Slugging outfielder Jay Bruce signed a three-year, $39 million deal exactly a month ago today to return to the New York Mets, where he had played parts of the last two seasons.
Bruce got his first experience with Mets manager Mickey Callaway when he finished the 2017 season with the Indians. Bruce described Callaway on Thursday, “He’s a little younger and he’s going to be able to do what’s necessary here as far as really creating a relationship with the team. He’s not a big rule guy, but he expects a lot out of you because he expects a lot out of himself — preparation and working hard. Being prepared is paramount to him, and I think as long as you do that, there’s not going to be any issues.”
The 30-year-old Bruce hit .254/.324/.508 combined in 2017 with a career-high 36 home runs, 115 OPS+, 101 RBIs and 2.9 WAR. He also went on to go 5 for 18 with two home runs in the ALDS against the New York Yankees.
Bruce was also one of the few players to stay healthy for the Mets last season which he thinks will be key in 2018, “I like our team, man, I really do. I think that it all goes back to health and if we’re healthy, I’d put us up against anyone.”
Bruce will be the Mets mainstay in right field for now with Michael Conforto beginning the season on the disabled list. The Mets also brought back Bruce as insurance for the young Dominic Smith at first. Of course, the Mets added veteran Adrian Gonzalez as an option at first but he’s no guarantee to be product after being a -1.2 WAR player in 2017.
