New York Mets outfielder Jay Bruce talked to Kristie Ackert of New York Daily News yesterday about his disappointment in the teams performance, his excitement for hitting free agency for the first time and how he feels about being traded for the second straight season.
Bruce, 30, is having a great year for the Mets on both sides of the ball with a career high .860 OPS and three defensive runs saved in right field. However, the pending free agent realizes his days with the Mets could be numbered.
“If they have the chance to make their organization better by trading me, they would be crazy not to do it,” Bruce said. “I know that they have to look out for their future here. I expect they will do that if they have the chance. I know what can happen.”
Ken Rosenthal reported on Thursday that one source in the Mets organization feels the team would rather trade veteran outfielder Curtis Granderson and keep Bruce to give him a qualifying offer this offseason.
A source told Ackert that they wouldn’t trade Bruce unless they were overwhelmed by the offer and that they would consider re-signing him after the season.
The veteran Bruce leads the Mets with 24 home runs, 63 RBI and 53 runs scored.
Jon Heyman of Fan Rag Sports reported that the Cleveland Indians could have interest in Bruce. Cleveland has outfielders Lonnie Chisenhall and Austin Jackson on the disabled list while outfielders Brandon Guyer and Abraham Almonte have both struggled most of the season.
“I came here as a hired gun,” Bruce said. “I know what I am and what situation I am in. This is a business. Don’t get me wrong, I love playing the game, I always will.”
