They sent him to the Mets in exchange for second baseman Dilson Herrera and minor league pitching prospect Max Wotell.
Advertisement
“This was a very hard trade for us to make because of how our fans, ownership and everyone in our organization feel about Jay, but we acquired two quality players who better fit the direction our organization is heading”, said Reds President of Baseball Operations Walt Jocketty.
Trading for Jay Bruce does nothing but limit the Mets’ options, and pretty much ensures that Cespedes will find a new home at the end of 2016.
DeGrom’s two-out single started the rally before De Aza hit a rocket into the right-field seats for his third homer.
It would be unfair to expect Bruce to play at the level that Cespedes did a year ago, when he garnered some MVP attention, however the Mets would be very happy if the 29-year old outfield continues to play at the All-Star level he has this season.
The former Cincinnati Reds outfielder donned the Mets’ blue-and-orange colors for the first time Tuesday and debuted in right field, beginning a partnership that had seemed more than a year in the making. “You never know what’s going to happen until it actually happens”. Last year, there’s some insane stuff during the deadline. I try not to jump to conclusions or assume anything. “It’s unfortunate the way it got turned around but certainly not what I meant by it”. “There was a lot of emotions”. But I’m in a new place and I get to know these guys.
A Met for the first six years of his Major League career, Niese was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates for second baseman Neil Walker.
The Mets are so desperate for offense that they live with the defensive hit they take by adding Bruce. “I look forward to being a part of this”.
(AP Photo/Kathy Willens). New York Mets’ Jonathan Niese smiles as he speaks during a press conference before a baseball game against the New York Yankees, in New York. They’re off the hook now for over $4 million this season, along with the $13 million that is owed to him next season. Collins could play Conforto in center field and Granderson in left. And although this isn’t a ideal fit, Bruce’s power and run-production more than make up for his subpar defense.
The Mets have a glut of corner outfielders.
To make room for Bruce and Niese, the Mets have placed Asdrubal Cabrera (retroactive to August 1) and Justin Ruggiano on the 15-day disabled list.
It may be tough for Bruce to match Cespedes, but the Mets are still hoping he can jump-start an offense that entered Monday having scored the third-fewest runs in baseball.
Indeed, Bruce’s career numbers with runners in scoring position are nowhere near as impressive as they have been this season. He suggested his resurgence this year might be a product of feeling healthier.
Advertisement
“I feel like I’ve been getting traded to the Mets for over a year now”. “I’m not going to have a vehicle here, so I’m going to have to use a lot of different modes of transportation”.
