The Cleveland Indians have acquired OF Jay Bruce from the New York Mets in exchange for RHP prospect Ryder Ryan.
The Indians, currently 3.5 games ahead of the Kansas City Royals for the AL Central lead, are looking to improve their roster. Bruce is a power bat in the outfield, and isn\’t a horrible fielder. Today, star LF Michael Brantley went on the DL. Bruce is a good replacement option for this season. Bruce is also a rental. Plus, they don\’t give up much. Also, he is good at the Indians home stadium, Progressive Field. In 23 career games there, Bruce has a .384 batting average and 1.031 OPS.
Bruce, 30, has a .258 batting average, 29 homers and 75 RBIs in 445 Plate Appearances for the Mets this year. In his 10 year career for the Mets and the Indians\’ cross-town rival, the Cincinnati Reds, Bruce has a .249 batting average, 270 homers, 812 RBIs and 61 stolen bases in 1372 Plate Appearances.
The Mets have struggled this year, and are trading their rentals, like Bruce. They get something in Ryan, but not much. He\’s an ex 30th round pick, who isn\’t doing so well at single-A this year. He doesn\’t have MLB potential.
Ryan, 22, has a 4.79 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 49 strikeouts in 41.1 innings at Single-A this year. In his minor league career, Ryan has a 4.50 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 73 strikeouts in 60 innings.
I think the Indians win this trade. They get a major leaguer having an amazing season for a minor leaguer having a bad year at Single-A. It\’s clear they win.
CarterHud 