Mike Puma of the New York Post reports that Jay Bruce was in New York today to take his physical and that there will be a press conference tomorrow at Citi Field.
Original Post- Jan. 10, 9:25 p.m.
And he’s back!
According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com, Jay Bruce is returning to the New York Mets. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports the deal is for three-years and is worth $39 million.
Ken Davidoff of the New York Post adds that Bruce will submit to the Mets a list of five teams annually that he can reject a trade to.
Bruce, 30, was originally acquired by the Mets from the Cincinnati Reds at the 2016 trade deadline in exchange for second baseman Dilson Herrera and pitching prospect Max Wotell.
While he didn’t get off to the hottest start in blue and orange, he finished up the final month of that year on a high note and came back in 2017 with thunder.
In 103 games with the Mets in 2017, Bruce clubbed 29 homers and drove in 75 runs while hitting to a .256/.321/.520 clip before being traded to the Cleveland Indians for their playoff run.
Earlier today, Mike Puma of the New York Post reported that the Mets are not interested in searching for a pitcher, instead going the offensive route. He mentioned outfielder as a target of theirs, like we have heard frequently this offseason.
Bruce figures to play some first base as well in 2018.
Lastly, Bob Nightengale of USA Today says that Bruce will get a $3 million signing bonus that will pay him $1.5 million a year in 2019 and 2020. He will receive $10 million in his first year with the Mets and $13 million in his final two according to Nightengale.
Back in September for an MMO Roundtable, I wrote:
I think it’s imperative the Mets re-sign Jay Bruce. Sandy Alderson traded away all his veteran players, leaving Amed Rosario and Dominic Smith without a real foundation of older players to look up to. Michael Conforto may very well be out until this time next year, and even if he’s back sooner, it’s going to take an extended amount of time to get close to where he was before his injury. Bruce is a bonafide leader that will talk to media day in and day out while remaining calm, cool and collected.
Without Lucas Duda, Curtis Granderson and now Conforto, the Mets are seriously lacking in the big bat department. While Bruce’s Mets career didn’t start on the right foot, fans embraced him when he came into his own. Signing Mike Moustakas isn’t happening, so Bruce should be the Mets top priority this offseason.
I am glad they decided to bring Bruce back as he really proved he could handle New York while showing how fun of a player he is on and off the field.
Plus, this now gives the Mets more length to their lineup and gives them a little pop in the middle of the order.
Welcome back, Jay!
