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The 2017 New York Mets’ X-factors: What needs to go right

Chris Thompson •
The 2017 New York Mets' X-factors: What needs to go right 1
Apr 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets first baseman Lucas Duda (21) and shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera (13) and third baseman David Wright (5) and second baseman Neil Walker (20) during a pitching change against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. The Philadelphia Phillies won 5-4 in the eleventh inning. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Mets right fielder Jay Bruce prepares on deck against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Jay Bruce has to hit

[dropcap]N[/dropcap]ow while there is a strong possibility that Jay Bruce is traded before the start of Spring Training, if he remains on the roster for the entirety of 2017, he’ll have to play like he did during the last month of 2016 – including a .263/.333/.513 line with six homers and 13 RBIs –  to give the Mets another power bat.

Cespedes has clearly been in need of a partner-in-crime since his arrival in Queens via trade from the Detroit Tigers two seasons ago. Bruce began to show flashes of that ability last season, just when the offense exploded enough to propel the Mets to the postseason.

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Although fans have been calling for his head ever since his paltry August after coming over from Cincinnati, Bruce has been a proven bat in this league for nine years. To the surprise of many, he has finished in the top-10 of the National League Most Valuable Player vote twice during that time, along with eight 21-plus home run years as well.

At almost 30-years-old, Bruce should have plenty left in the tank to boost the Mets’ lineup if he remains in Queens, and chances are Cespedes can’t wait for that.

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Chris Thompson
Chris Thompson

Chris recently graduated with a Journalism degree from Montclair State University. Baseball is his love and he hopes to bring back some of the old-school popularity to the game.

Chris Thompson covers the NY Jets and NY Mets for Elite Sports NY. You can interact with him on Twitter @Time2Topher.

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