Mets: Fantasy Impact of Jay Bruce Trade

By Bill Pivetz | Aug 1, 2016

May 29, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce (32) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

The Mets added a much-needed bat to the lineup by trading for outfielder Jay Bruce. With the playoffs still in reach, the team needed to make a move.

The New York Mets offense has been quiet since exiting the All-Star break. They are last in runs scored and 22nd in on-base percentage. If the team wanted to make it back to the World Series, a hitter needed to be added. As a result, the Mets front office traded for outfielder Jay Bruce. This has a rippling effect on both sides of the deal.

Bruce is having an amazing season. In 97 games, he has 25 home runs, 80 RBI, .265/.316/.559 line and a 83:27 K:BB ratio. He is on pace to pace his career bests in homers and RBI.

The move to New York should not affect the left-handed hitter. Citi Field ranks in the top-10 in runs and home runs according to ESPN Park Factors. Great American Park was 19th and six, respectively.

More from Fantasy Baseball

Bruce will be joining an offense that has not hit for power this season. Yoenis Cespedes is the Mets’ best power hitter with 22 home runs, 58 RBI and a .291 average. Bruce will immediately lead the team in homers and RBI.

On the defensive side of the ball, Bruce will likely take over right field. Cespedes prefers to play left field and Michael Conforto and Curtis Granderson will platoon in center field. That should concern you a bit if you own a Mets pitcher, considering all four outfielders have a negative dWAR.

Over to Cincinnati, Tyler Holt and Jose Peraza are the likely benefactors of Bruce leaving. Both have outfield experience, but neither are hitting particularly well. I would stay away from them in most leagues.

After questionable medical reviews of one of the minor leaguers, the Reds receive Dilson Herrera and a couple of prospects in return. Herrera hasn’t played at the major league level this season, but hit .211/.311/.367 in 31 games last season. He is doing better in Triple-A Las Vegas, hitting .276/.327/.462 with 13 home runs and 55 RBI in 86 games.

Next: Rangers Trade for Beltran

This was a busy trade deadline and more moves are expected to be announced. This move wasn’t a major one from a fantasy perspective. He stays in the National League, so no boost to the AL-only formats. The park shouldn’t create much change in his stats. However, the stifled Mets offense may cause fewer runs scored and RBI opportunities.

Home/Fantasy Baseball