Multiple reports have confirmed the Mets have reunited with outfielder Jay Bruce.
Source confirms: Jay Bruce back to #Mets, three years, $39 million. Deal first reported by @Jerrycrasnick.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 11, 2018
Ken Rosenthal says it's a three-year, $39 million contract, and frankly, I think that's great value.
The Mets need to protect against two points of volatility: Michael Conforto's health and Dom Smith potentially not being ready for a full-time gig. This accomplishes both of those goals.
Bruce can slot into right field until Conforto is healthy (provided he won't be ready to go for Opening Day). Once Conforto returns, Bruce can either move to first base (if Smith is struggling and/or Juan Lagares has finally nailed down the center field job), or stay put in right and have Conforto play center.
And Bruce's left handed power bat should slide in right where it did in the lineup last year: behind Yoenis Cespedes, which bolsters the lineup nicely. What's more, he's proven he can play in this city, and he even knows his new skipper from his time in Cleveland.
For $13 million per year, that's a solid value, and one that should make the Mets much better than they were yesterday, while still allowing them to remain in on an upgrade for the infield. Well done, Sandy.
Kick off your Memorial Day Weekend at our tailgate on Saturday May 24th! You don't need to be sitting with The 7 Line Army to tailgate together. Let's get the good vibes started in the parking lot and hopefully they continue until last pitch. Food, drinks, games, music and more in the Marina Lot.
Our 4th trip to Fenway is set for Monday May 19th. We're rolling with 1,000 fans, and we'd love to see as many of your amazin' faces at the pre-game as possible. Drinks specials, bowling, pool tables, and more.
Swing by the K Korner on Friday May 9th before the Mets take on the Cubs. If you're sitting with us or not, you can enjoy exclusive specials on Montauk draft beers by rocking T7L merch to the bar.
Brian Erni
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