The Mets are already reloading for 2017

The Mets are looking to bring the band back together by picking up the options of Jay Bruce and Jose Reyes.

The Mets’ 2016 season didn’t exactly go according to plan. After a heartbreaking World Series loss back in 2015, New York followed it up by dealing with more casualties than the opening scene of Saving Private Ryan. From the starting rotation to the everyday lineup, nobody stood a chance as an injury bug on steroids flew around Citi Field like the plague. It seemed like every person who put on a jersey for the Mets found their way to the DL for some time or another, yet this team somehow found its way into the playoff picture.

Unfortunately, Conor Gillaspie, of all people, had other plans, as he sent the Mets packing before they could start another improbable run at the pennant. It’s hard to gauge whether or not the 2016 campaign should be considered a success or failure. Sure, they failed to meet their goal of hosting a day party at the Canyon of Heroes for the first time since 1986, but they did somehow post an 87-75 record despite missing a chunk of their roster.

In order to figure out if this team could have and should have been the ones to bring the World Series title home, the Mets are looking to get the band back together. Jay Bruce and Jose Reyes are heading back to Queens, as New York has decided to pick up both of their options.

With Yoenis Cespedes likely to opt out of his contract after the news broke that the two sides have yet to speak, the Mets needed at least someone in their lineup who has a history of hitting a baseball.

Both players were acquired mid-season to help ease the blow of the slew of injuries they suffered. Reyes showed he’s more than capable of reliving his glory days in New York, hitting .265 with eight dingers and 24 RBI in 60 games after being acquired from the Rockies following his 52-game suspension. He isn’t by any means a centerpiece, as 33 might as well be 50 in MLB years. Having said that, Reyes provides stability and depth, two things the Mets surely need at the bargain price of the major league minimum.

Bruce, on the other hand, did not have as warm of a welcome during the second half of the season in New York. After his average of .219 didn’t even meet his body weight, it was hard telling if Mets fans were chanting “Bruce” or “Boo,” as the liability in the outfield struggled his way to eight homers and 19 RBI in Queens. Prior to his arrival in New York, Bruce was one of the best hitters in baseball, leading the NL with 80 RBI before the All-Star break. He clearly is a capable hitter, he just didn’t show it when he was wearing orange and blue.

Yet $13 million isn’t a bad price for a possible big bat in the middle of the lineup. Bruce caught on a bit late, hitting 12-25 with eight RBI over the last eight games for the Mets. If he can mirror that play over the course of a season, New York would be lucky to have him back.

Related Story: Where might Cespedes go if he opts out?

Not only did the Mets bring back some of the bats last season, but they brought back insurance in case Cespedes does indeed walk away from New York for a fat contract next season. That will be a dark day for Mets fans when it happens, but these two contract renewals will soften the blow.