Needless to say, this a bit of a forced fit that will compromise the Mets defensively, but the offensive upgrade Bruce offers over Juan Lagares and Kirk Nieuwenhuis is significant.
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With the trade deadline bearing down on teams, the pressure to complete a deal is mounting.
During the conversation, Alderson said Wheeler “really expressed his desire to remain a Met, his excitement for being part of the organization, for being part of what is happening here”. According to a report from Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com, the Mets’ trade talks with the Cincinnati Reds for Bruce appear to be breaking down with the deadline continuing to approach.
Either way, the New York Mets desperately need offense if they are going to mount any sort of playoff push and now, Jay Bruce is the best, most viable and nearest deal to completion.
The Reds, on the other hand, gain nothing by hanging onto guys like Bruce or Chapman if they are about to go into rebuild mode.
If these talks do break down and the Mets are unable to bring Bruce on board, it would be a major disappointment for them.
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It seems like the Mets are trying to make up ground for the deal that got away. Don’t be surprised to hear more buzz surrounding the Mets and Reds as the deadline draws closer.
