Mets, Reds recreate Jay Bruce deal after medical issues

The New York Mets have a deal in place to get another outfielder. 

The Mets and Reds have a recreated deal in place for outfielder Jay Bruce, a source confirmed to Cover Those Bases. Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports first reported that the deal was done. In exchange for the slugger, the Reds will receive infielder Dilson Herrera and left-handed pitcher Max Wotell.

Medicals held up a different Jay Bruce deal that was supposed to be done earlier. That deal included outfielder Brandon Nimmo, who now stays with the Mets. 

The addition of Bruce makes total sense for New York, who has needed some offensive help. The team ranks 22nd in the Major Leagues in OPS, and their outfield corps especially could use some upgrading. 

At this moment in time, the Mets' outfield includes the likes of Michael Conforto, Yoenis Cespedes and Curtis Granderson. Conforto, in particular, has struggled against left-handed pitching and could use more seasoning in the minor leagues anyway. 

This is where Bruce fits in. 

The 29-year-old Bruce is hitting .265/.316/.559 with 25 home runs and 60 RBI this season over 402 plate appearances. He has a 125 wRC+, which is the best of his career. However, Bruce has been an atrocious defender, making him only worth 0.7 Wins Above Replacement. Defensive metrics, however, are not always 100 percent accurate. 

Bruce will not be a free agent at the end of the season, as his deal includes a team option for 2017. With Yoenis Cespedes able to opt-out of his deal with the team, Bruce could be a good fit for next year's Mets outfield as well. 

--Devan Fink

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