According to Jon Heyman on Twitter, versatile outfielder Curtis Granderson is drawing more interest on the trade market than right fielder Jay Bruce.
He goes on to say that the Mets would prefer to trade Bruce and keep Granderson.
The Mets will probably bring in a better haul for Granderson, so they will be weighing their options carefully.
It is entirely possible the Mets could trade both, however it seems they would prefer not to. An outfield without either of them would have Yoenis Cespedes in left, Juan Lagares in center, and Michael Conforto in right with Brandon Nimmo as the fourth man.
Original Post: 10 am
As I wrote back in October, the Mets could trade Curtis Granderson instead of Jay Bruce this offseason. However that now seems like it could come to fruition, as Adam Rubin of ESPN writes the Mets are considering it.
The Mets will listen to offers for both outfielders during the Winter Meetings (if they happen) and find out who would bring in the better haul.
In 2016, Bruce hit .250/.309/.506 with 33 home runs and 99 RBIs while Granderson hit .237/.335/.464 with 30 home runs and 59 RBIs.
The difference maker between the two is Granderson’s versatility. He can play any outfield position well while Bruce can only play in right. Granderson is also versatile offensively, as he can bat leadoff if need be.
Another thing to consider is Granderson’s leadership ability in both the clubhouse and his community. The future Mayor of Chicago (yes, that’s an official prediction) won the 2016 Roberto Clemente Award for his efforts both on and off the field. Teams in need of true veteran leadership would love to acquire a player like him.
If the Mets were to trade Granderson and keep Bruce, Yoenis Cespedes would be the every day left fielder, Bruce would start every day in right with Juan Lagares and Michael Conforto likely splitting time in center field.
Jay is owed $13 million and Curtis is owed $15 million, so money would not be the difference maker.
The Mets will be looking for a return involving possibly a late-inning reliever, but would be fine with some top-level prospects to replenish the farm system.
