Mets should swap Jay Bruce for White Sox Closer David Robertson

The Mets community is ablaze now with the signing of Yoenis Cespedes. However, as a result, their outfield situation has become a bit cluttered.

Less than a month ago, the Mets picked up Bruce’s 2017 option worth $13 million. Now their outfield consists of the likes of Curtis Granderson, Michael Conforto, and Yoenis Cespedes. Now would be the best time to move Bruce.

More from Rising Apple

• NY Mets need to call the Athletics about a Matt Chapman trade
• NY Mets dream starting lineup for the 2022 season
• NY Mets offseason makeover might be a simple “She’s All That” situation
• NY Mets: 8 Ex-Amazins who killed it with other teams in 2021
• NY Mets: Marcus Stroman wrote the player’s playbook on free agency

Bruce did have a good impact on the Mets. After his horrible start with them, he finally started playing like his old self down the stretch. While it’s possible he could play like this again in 2017, there are many places he could be moved to that would benefit the team. One of these places would be Chicago.

The Mets need a reliever. There are many great free agent options, who would all cost an arm and a leg. However, getting David Robertson from the White Sox would be a steal. Robertson did have a down season in 2016, pitching to a 3.47 ERA. He did saved 37 games and struck out 75 over 62.1 innings.  He has also thrown at least 60 innings in each of the past seven seasons, which makes him a very consistent option.

If you look at his splits, Robertson has also performed very well when playing at Citi Field. He has given up just one run over 11 Innings and struck out 14. That’s a small sample size, but Robertson could possibly play well at Citi Field.

Bruce will be earning $13 million in 2017 while Robertson will be earning $12 million. Such a trade would have virtually no effect on salary availability and would benefit areas for both teams. While the Mets greatly need a reliever, the White Sox have a similar need for an outfielder.

The White Sox best outfielder is Adam Eaton. Like Bruce, he mainly played right field in 2016, but has also played center. Their only other notable outfielder is Melky Cabrera, who plays center. But beyond that, their outfield situation is a mess.

Next: Mets: Five possible trade partners

The pieces are there, swapping Bruce for Robertson would without a doubt change 2017 in some way for both teams and should be something that both consider.