Just Mets

On Saturday, Sandy Alderson said the club was looking to make, “big moves” ahead of the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

Among those the Mets appear to be looking at is Reds OF Jay Bruce, according to multiple reports. So much so, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com says the Mets are, “scouting him heavily.”

Both Andy Martino and Kristie Ackert of the Daily News say the Mets have been talking about Zack Wheeler in trade discussions with the Reds ahead of the trade deadline.

However, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports says discussions involving Wheeler for Bruce went nowhere.

The Mets appear more than willing to move Wheeler this summer, but have no interest in dealing any of thee four young starters at the big league level, Alderson said late last week.

In regards to Wheeler, multiple sources have indicated the Mets would be willing to part with the rehabbing right-hander in a package for Troy Tulowitzki, although Rosenthal said the Mets don’t believe the Rockies are ready to move their star shortstop.

As for Bruce, he has been productive for the Reds despite a high strikeout rate, posting a 120 OPS+ while hitting .253 with 15 home runs and 49 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.

However, Bruce has not been close to as good on the road as he has been at the hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark, which is a concern since that’s a hitters haven, and Citi Field isn’t quite the same. And, he historically has struggled at Citi Field as well, albeit in a small sample.

All things being equal, acquiring Bruce would’ve allowed the Mets to put Curtis Granderson and Michael Cuddyer in a platoon, which would help protect Granderson’s ineffectiveness against left-handed pitching. But of course, Cuddyer is out indefinitely with a bone bruise. So things are not equal at the moment.

Still, Bruce is a good right fielder with an outstanding arm. 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 – the outfield included – currently being fielded on a daily basis.

Is Bruce worth dealing someone like Wheeler for? The splits are a concern, but he is a much more complete player than any of their current options. Perhaps the Reds would kick in some money in this theoretical deal, but that remains to be seen as well.

Bruce is owed about $5 million in 2015 and $12.5 million in 2016. The Reds hold a $13 million option with a $1 million buyout for 2017.