Here are the fantasy implications of the New York Mets acquiring OF Jay Bruce from the Cincinnati Reds on Monday:
Season-Long Redraft Leagues
It's strange to look at the quality of the Reds' lineup this season and see that Bruce has managed to drive in a whopping 80 runs - tops in the National League, and behind only Edwin Encarnacion, David Ortiz and Albert Pujols in the entire major leagues.
Bruce is expected to hit in the heart of the Mets' lineup, which has scuffled for most of the season but is still superior to what the Reds are trotting out. He should see even more run-producing opportunities, allowing him to maintain his RBI pace even if he doesn't sustain his current home-run pace.
The move won't have a major impact on your fantasy leagues; if you own Bruce, you're hanging onto him safe in the knowledge that he'll continue to be in a prime run-producing spot. If you're seeking to acquire him, the price won't be much different than it was prior to the deal.
Dynasty Leagues
Bruce has a team option for $13 million next season, and the Mets would be wise to exercise it with fellow outfielder Yoenis Cespedes expected to head to free agency. Bruce is just 29, and has several good hitting years ahead of him if he can stay healthy.
Bruce is an underrated dynasty asset, since most fantasy owners focus on the under-25 set. But with home-run-hitting, run-producing outfielders at a premium in today's strikeout-heavy fantasy climate, Bruce represents great dynasty value and won't turn 30 until the beginning of next season.
