With the news that the Baltimore Orioles have pulled their offer to free agent outfielder Mark Trumbo, the O’s could again turn their attention to Jay Bruce and rekindle talks with the New York Mets.
Bruce would give the Orioles a 30-35 home run bat without having to invest big dollars or make a significant four year commitment. The current Mets right fielder is owed just $13 million for the 2017 season after which he becomes a free agent.
Reportedly, the Mets and Orioles had been discussing a deal that potentially included top right-handed setup reliever Brad Brach who posted a 2.04 ERA and a 1.038 WHIP in 79.0 innings last season while striking out 92 batters.
Things could get a little interesting this week so stay tuned.
– – – Joe D.
Original Report – Dec 16
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Baltimore Orioles and the Texas Rangers are still willing to move some of their bullpen pieces this offseason.
Specifically, the Orioles are willing to trade Brad Brach. Earlier this offseason, there were reports the Mets were willing to trade Jay Bruce in exchange for Brach.
The Orioles were more interested in Curtis Granderson, and the Orioles wanted the Mets to pay part of the contract for either Bruce or Granderson. Ultimately, the Orioles and Mets shelved these trade discussions.
Earlier this offseason, MMO’s own Logan Barer analyzed which Rangers relievers could be a fit for the Mets bullpen in the event the Rangers were interested in obtaining Bruce including lefties Alex Claudio, Jake Diekman and righties Sam Dyson and Jeremy Jeffress.
With the outfield market still unresolved, and there being relievers still available on the trade market, the Mets may still be able to move Bruce for a valuable piece this offseason.
