A final flurry of activity brought transformational slugger Yoenis Cespedes into the Mets’ fold just minutes before last season’s 4 p.m. trade deadline. Perhaps this year they’ll strike late again.
Ahead of Monday’s deadline, sources said they have some hope of landing either Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy or Reds outfielder Jay Bruce. That’s in addition to a righthanded reliever such as the Angels’ Joe Smith. Lucroy or Bruce would provide an upgrade to a Mets offense that is in desperate need of a spark.
As of last night, the Rangers had emerged as the biggest player for Lucroy, according to multiple reports. The news came after Lucroy surprised the industry by invoking his no-trade clause and blocking a trade to the Indians.
The Mets were ready to move on from Lucroy (.299 average, 13 homers, 50 RBIs) on Saturday evening, convinced that the price tag was too high. They had submitted an upgraded offer that included Travis d’Arnaud, Brandon Nimmo and another piece, a price beyond what they were willing to pay earlier. But when the Brewers upped their demands, the Mets prepared for Lucroy to wind up with Cleveland.
Said d’Arnaud, “If I thought about it, it would probably tear me up.”
Bruce (.265, 25, 80), a lefthanded-hitting corner outfielder, is less of a fit for the Mets, but he has plenty of punch and plenty of teams will bid for his services.
..... - Newsday