New York Mets Have Expressed Interest In Jay Bruce 2
Tim Heitman, USATI

The New York Mets injuries and offensive woes have lead them to inquire about Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce.

The New York Mets may have been snakebitten by injuries thus far in 2016, but that doesn’t meant the front office is ready to punt the season away. After reports surfaced connecting the Mets to Milwaukee catcher Jonathan Lucroy, their attention has shifted to the outfield.

Last season the Mets were close to acquiring Jay Bruce from Cincinnati in exchange for Zack Wheeler. The two clubs were close to a deal, but never pulled the trigger, allowing the Mets to pursue Yoenis Cespedes.

Wheeler alone likely wouldn’t garner Cincinnatti’s interest this season. The 29 year old Bruce is slashing .271/.323/.572 with 25 home runs and an NL best 79 RBI’s.

Bruce also has a club option for 2017 at a more than reasonable $13 million. Multiple top prospects would likely be necessary to bring the slugging outfielder to queens.

Juan Lagares’s thumb surgery and Yoenis Cespedes’ quad issues have left the Mets reeling for outfield help.

Brandon Nimmo has been recalled from AAA Las Vegas, but the Mets could be looking for an established bat if they wish contend over the season’s final two months.

NEXT: Juan Lagares Heads To The DL