Update – 11:55 AM
MLB’s Jim Duquette reports that the Mets offer for Jay Bruce involves three prospects headlined by 2011 first round draft pick Brandon Nimmo.
The Reds had sought to have Dilson Herrera as part of the trade, but Duquette does not believe he would be a part of this trade. There were earlier reports that the Reds had been scouting Kevin Plawecki, but his name has not appeared in any trade rumors linked to Jay Bruce today.
Update – 11:28 AM
Bob Klapisch of the Bergen Record reports the Mets are are “cautiously optimisitc” they will be able to complete a trade to acquire Jay Bruce from the Cincinnati Reds. As of right now, it is unknown what the Mets would be sending to the Reds in exchange for Bruce if a deal were to be consummated.
Original Report
Mike Puma of the New York Post reports that the main focus for the New York Mets main as they head toward the trading deadline is acquiring Reds outfielder Jay Bruce. The primary reason being the cost in prospects which is reportedly less than what the Brewers are currently seeking for Jonathan Lucroy.
Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reports that the Mets are currently the frontrunners to acquire Bruce. However, with the the Texas Rangers and San Francisco Giants still involved in trade discussions, it is expected that negotiations will drag on well into the afternoon and right up to the 4:00 PM trade deadline.
Earlier reports had indicated the Giants discussions with the Reds were in slow motion, but they appear to still be significantly engaged to prevent the Reds and Mets from finalizing a trade for Bruce. It should be noted the Dodgers were once actively involved in trade discussions for Bruce, but they were not mentioned by Passan as a team that is currently a favorite for Bruce. Additionally, Joel Sherman of the NY Post has the Texas rangers also in the mix for Bruce.
On the season, Bruce is hitting .265/.316/.559 with 22 doubles, six triples, 25 homers, and a major league leading 80 RBI. His numbers are not a creation of the bandbox that is the Great American Ballpark as Bruce has actually hit better on the road slashing .277/.318/.582.
Of particular note given the Mets struggles hitting with runners in scoring position this year, Bruce does most of his damage with runners in scoring position. So far this year, Bruce is hitting .360/.406/.719 with four doubles, two triples, eight homers, and 52 RBI with runners in scoring position.
At the moment, it is unknown what the Mets are offering for Bruce, but it should be noted that the Reds walked away from a Bruce for Zack Wheeler trade last year.
It is also unknown where Bruce would play given the presence of Yoenis Cespedes, Curtis Granderson, and Michael Conforto on the team and that Bruce is a left-handed slugger.
Bruce has not played first base since the three games he played there in 2014. Defensively, he has rated as a poor right fielder with a -11.5 UZR and a -13 DRS this season. Some of the beat writers are referring to Bruce as an odd fit, with Mike Puma saying this is merely insurance against the loss of Yoenis Cespedes.
Joel Sherman spoke to a Mets source who acknowledged to him that Jay Bruce is not a great fit, but they are also in desperate need for offense. Their objective today is to find the the best bat and make it work.
