Mets trade Jay Bruce to Indians

The Mets have traded right fielder Jay Bruce to the Cleveland Indians, and Cleveland will take on all of Bruce’s remaining salary for the season. Considering he was making a relatively modest $13 million, it’s not a ton of money, but it’s not nothing. Joel Sherman says the Mets have gotten Ryder Ryan from Cleveland in the deal.

After struggling mightily in his brief stint with the team down the stretch last year, he rebounded nicely this year. Through 448 plate appearances, Bruce hit .256/.321/.520 with 29 home runs and a 120 wRC+ for the Mets this year. And in addition to playing a surprisingly effective right field, he spent a little bit of time at first base, especially recently.

The trade presumably clears up a spot on the roster for Dominic Smith to get called up to the big leagues at get regular playing time at first base.