When one is down and out on one's luck, is there a chance of clawing one's way back to the pinnacle? Struggling outfielder Jay Bruce might not have had the best of seasons in the past, but the upcoming season could be very different if the New York Mets and him decide to part from their agreement.
When the New York Mets acquired Bruce from the Cincinnati Reds at the trade deadline, it looked as though it was the best thing since sliced bread, as they would also pick up the $13 million option when 2017 rolls around. In addition, the additional year that the club has control over him proved to be an incentive in order to seal the deal right from the very beginning.
However, Bruce did not live up to expectations, hitting a mere .181 with a quartet of homers as well as 39 strikeouts in 138 at-bats for the Mets. Each time he now steps up to the plate at Citi Field, there will be boos ringing in and around the stadium -- especially when there is a miss that accompanies each swing.
John Harper of the New York Daily News has his take on Bruce, "To begin with, Bruce was an awkward fit, giving the Mets too many left-handed-hitting corner outfielders. That wouldn't have mattered as much if he'd hit as he did for the Reds, of course, but Bruce has been such a bust so far that the Mets' brass may have to seriously consider whether it's worth it to pick up the option year on his contract at $13 million next season."
The New York Mets could have figured out that the additional money could be spent in a different manner that might benefit the team overall. This could happen should outfielder Yoenis Cespedes realize that he would not continue on in his contract and go ahead with a free agency, which is but a certainty at this moment in time.
Bruce is one of the veteran players who were not on the field when the New York Mets beat the Minnesota Twins 3-2 on Sunday. Michael Conforto did begin in right field, and he also underlined his credentials for that particular position by delivering a key two-run single.
As for Ken Davidoff of the New York Post’s viewpoint, "[Manager Terry] Collins pledged just last week to keep going with the flailing Bruce, and that made sense. Bruce possesses a superior track record. If Conforto can get anything going while Bruce treats his advanced case of New York-itis, though? September pledges are made to be broken."
What do you think would be the future for Jay Bruce? Only he knows, as well as the top brass at the New York Mets. Still, we wish Bruce all the best when it comes to his future.
