Jay Bruce New York Mets
(Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)

Jay Bruce officially rejoined the New York Mets on Wednesday and had the chance to speak to reporters at Citi Field. Meanwhile, the club continues to find themselves linked to Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Josh Harrison.

Number 19 is back in Flushing.

Wednesday morning’s press conference at Citi Field marked the official return of Jay Bruce to the New York Mets.

The 30-year-old outfielder agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract that will pay him $10 million in 2018, and $13 million in 2019 and 2020. Bruce received a signing bonus of $3 million and has the option to name five teams annually that he can block a trade with for the life of the contract.

Bruce told reporters that “the Mets ended up being the best opportunity for him and his family,” and that he has “unfinished business” with this team.

Sandy Alderson pointed to a variety of reasons that helped the Mets pull the trigger on the very same right fielder they shipped off to Cleveland at the Trade Deadline last season.

“Strictly on the basis of performance, we’re very happy to have him back,” Alderson told SNY’s Danny Abriano“Why we don’t expect Jay to be a career first-baseman with the Mets? His ability to play there gives us the confidence to move people around.”

Alderson would go on to say that while it is an “overblown” notion, the fact that Bruce has success in New York played in role in bringing him back.

Even Mickey Callaway played a role in the move, as the hiring of Callaway made Bruce “perk up a bit more” about the prospect of a potential reunion.

Bruce spent 43 games in Cleveland last season where Callaway was serving as the pitching coach.

When is Michael Conforto coming back?

While Michael Conforto has not experienced a setback as he recovers from shoulder surgery, Sandy Alderson stated that a return is unlikely before May 1st.

After dislocating his shoulder last August, Conforto underwent surgery to repair the posterior capsule in his left shoulder. The initial diagnosis called for at least a six-month recovery time.

Conforto’s rehab has progressed well and should begin swinging a bat any day now. Alderson alluded that more updates would available around the time spring training gets underway.

An official Adrian Gonzalez announcement

According to the New York Post’s Mike Puma, Adrian Gonzalez has passed his physical and should be officially announced later today or tomorrow.

MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo supplemented this by tweeting that two corresponding roster moves would come in the next 48 hours to make room for Gonzalez and Bruce on the 40-man roster.

Josh Harrison rumors galore

Despite whiffing on a deal to acquire former Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen, the Mets have spoken with Pittsburgh regarding second baseman Josh Harrison. While the two sides have communicated, talks are not ongoing.

The Mets see Brandon Nimmo as a potential centerpiece to acquire the 30-year-old Harrison. Sandy Alderson hinted that a trade for Harrison could be a possibility, but the team would probably prefer to just bring in another free agent.

Even if Brandon Nimmo isn’t traded, Juan Lagares is expected to be the starter in center field. Until Conforto returns, Lagares should receive most of the playing time in center.

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