MLB Playoffs: Five Players Who Could Be Left Off Postseason Rosters
By Jason Evans
OF Jay Bruce
At this year’s trade deadline, with all the injuries and lack of ability to score runs the New York Mets had, they decided to go out and trade for Reds slugger Jay Bruce. The 29-year-old was hitting .265 with 25 homers and 80 RBI in 97 games. The belief was that combining him with Yoenis Cespedes could give the Mets a dynamic middle of the order.
Well, the best laid plans sometimes don’t work. Bruce has not panned out and those Bruuucee chants have turned mainly into Boooos. Bruce has hit just .188 in 44 games with the Mets with just 12 RBI. Not exactly a big return on their investment.
In recent days, Michael Conforto has looked like the player he was in April and last season after his callup. Alejandro De Aza gives the Mets someone who can play center better than Curtis Granderson can and someone who can steal a base. Juan Lagares has come off the DL as well.
The Mets have a decision to make about their glut of outfielders, not only for the playoffs but also with Bruce’s option for 2017. It will be very interesting to see how they handle this.