The Mets outfield ranks in the bottom five in average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and weighted runs created in 2015.
In other words, their offensive production has been, well, offensive. And that may be putting it nicely.
Even so, the Mets find themselves in the thick of both the National League East race and the Wild Card, and with the trade deadline approaching, the need to upgrade so to survive the second half of the season goes without saying at this point in the season.
One name which Ken Rosethnal of FOX Sports says might be available is Reds OF Jay Bruce.
Bruce, 28, has been productive for the Reds despite a high strikeout rate, posting a 116 OPS+ while hitting .245 with 12 home runs and 41 RBI this season. He’s actually hit left-handed pitching better than right-handed pitching although the bulk of his home runs have come against right-handed pitching.
Bruce is a good right fielder with an outstanding arm, and acquiring him – or any other outfielder for that matter – would allow for a platoon between Curtis Granderson and Michael Cuddyer which would protect Granderson’s weakness against left-handed pitching and give Cuddyer and his knee the necessary rest time, assuming he doesn’t hit the disabled list in the near-term.
He would also serve as a big defensive upgrade in the outfield, which goes along with their need to prevent more runs thanks to a mostly poor all-around defense currently being fielded on a daily basis.
Bruce is guaranteed about $19.5 million through 2016. The Reds hold a club option for $13 million on Bruce for 2017 with a $1 million buyout.
When taking all of that into consideration, that might seem like an immediate and cost effective upgrade for the still under-30 Bruce, and the jolt of offense the Mets could use.
But, there’s just one problem which the primary stats isn’t showing.
Bruce is pitiful away from the hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark. He’s posted only a .361 slugging percentage on the road while hitting .215 with six doubles, three triples, three home runs and 16 RBI in 41 games away from Cincinnati. Those splits are pretty much in-line with his career totals, although his power has dropped substantially away from Cincinnati this season.
In addition, while it’s a small sample, Bruce has hit just .186/.275/.443 with five home runs in 21 games at Citi Field in his career.
It’s because of his home/road splits Bruce may not be the best fit for the Mets outfield.
However, given the current state of affairs for the Mets, he could be worth a look if the price is right in trade. If anything, he would improve the outfield defense which would help save more runs, something they must consider with the overall lack of offense.
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