The New York Mets have struggled mightily due to an influx of injuries. They should look to be sellers at the deadline, with Jay Bruce as their main trade chip.
Coming into the season, the New York Mets had the look of a team ready to contend for a world series title. Boasting one of the best starting rotations on paper, and an offense that had some firepower to it, the hype was real for them. However, things quickly took a turn for the worst.
Having been hit by the injury bug early on, it has quickly become a lost season for New York. They are currently 12 games behind the NL East leading Washington Nationals, and that number seems likely to increase once the second half of the season kicks off. It may be time for the Mets to sell some pieces, and call up some of their young prospects to get them acclimated to the big league life. Jay Bruce is perhaps the Mets’ biggest trade chip, despite being acquired at last years trade deadline.
The impending free agent has had a great season thus far, batting with a .264 average, 24 home runs, and 62 RBI’s. The Mets would be wise to cash in on Bruce before he walks away for nothing, even though it may be a bit tricky due to his limited no-trade clause with eight teams. Here are five teams that could benefit from acquiring Bruce before the July 31 deadline.
5. Houston Astros
The Houston Astros currently boast the best record in the American League, and have swept through the competition thus far. Their offense ranks at or near the top in almost every major category, so why would they go after Jay Bruce?
Well, you can also ask why not? Bruce would be able to fill in nicely as their designated hitter, and make their offense even more lethal. The Astros current designated hitter, Carlos Beltran, hasn’t exactly been tearing the cover off the ball this season, and Bruce seems to be a better hitter at this point in their careers. It hasn’t affected their offensive production to this point, but it is still never a bad thing to make marginal improvements when you can.
Bruce could also slide in to right field at times, to give some of the Astros outfielders a rest now and again. It’s a deal that could set Houston even further apart from the elite clubs this season, and add another veteran presence in their clubhouse. Bruce would also be relatively cheap since teams know of his impending free agency after this season.