Mets are listening on Jay Bruce, Curtis Granderson, and Asdrubal Cabrera but a deal for any is not likely
The New York Mets look to be done dealing for the moment. According to Joel Sherman, the Mets are listening on any offers for Asdrubal Cabrera, Jay Bruce, and Curtis Granderson but would be surprised if another deal gets done.
There is minimal surprise here. Cabrera seemed to be the most likely to be moved, but once Boston dealt for Eduardo Nunez and Arizona went another direction, that dwindled the level of interest significantly. Cabrera has played three different positions this season, but only moved after a horrendous time at shortstop.
Bruce’s market was quiet throughout. Despite cranking 27 home runs before the July 31 deadline, this was an example of how power is depreciated in the market. It’s clear the contending teams are putting a larger emphasis on acquiring pitching, especially bullpen help. Another indication that a deal might not get done for Bruce could have been what the Tigers received for J.D. Martinez.
Granderson generated some mild interest late in the proceedings, but even as a rental, it’s still the biggest contract of the three to move. Even if a deal was going to be struck, the return for Granderson alone would have been mild.
That still leaves August for any deals to get done for the three mentioned above. A player would have to pass through waivers, but that’s likely to happen in at least Granderson and Cabrera’s case. The amount of leverage dwindles on the Mets’ side of things if they’re still motivated to move any of the three veterans.
How everything has unfolded brings a larger question into play more concerning Bruce. Would the Mets be more inclined to bring him back beyond this season? Bruce has been a huge run producer with 72 RBI (13th in the Majors).
Next: An analysis of the Addison Reed trade to Boston
Bruce is the most valuable trade chip the Mets have listened to offers on. For all intents and purposes, what the Mets got in return for Lucas Duda and Addison Reed will be all for the 2017 deadline.