Baltimore Orioles Talking Trade With New York Mets
By Ben Palmer
![Oct 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets right fielder Curtis Granderson (3) hits a single during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports Oct 1, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Mets right fielder Curtis Granderson (3) hits a single during the second inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ad2a4810904982abb04dbdbea4a33ae55f538f9a1e76d2b08c367b7aa9313039.jpg)
The Baltimore Orioles are talking about a possible trade with the New York Mets that would involve either Curtis Granderson or Jay Bruce
The winter meetings are in full swing, and rumors are swirling. Most recently, the Baltimore Orioles are rumored to be talking to the New York Mets about a possible trade that would send either Curtis Granderson or Jay Bruce to Baltimore, per Ken Rosenthal.
It was reported early this morning that the Mets had offered a trade to the Orioles that involved either Granderson or Bruce for what was described as a “high-end reliever”, according to ESPN’s Adam Rubin. The Orioles passed on that trade however, though no word on who the Mets wanted.
According to Rosenthal, the Mets like reliever Brad Brach, so perhaps he could be involved in a potential deal that would net the Orioles either Granderson or Bruce.
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Brach put up an excellent year out of the Orioles bullpen last year, pitching a 2.05 ERA in 79 innings with a 10.48 K/9 and 24 holds. His ERA was good for 12th in the MLB among qualifying relievers.
Granderson is 35 years old but has aged relatively well, hitting .237/.335/.464 with 30 HRs, 88 R, and 59 RBIs last year. He has some plate discipline issues, but is still an overall solid hitter whose power would likely increase with a move to the AL East.
He’s not much use in the field though, as he’s an average-at-best defender now. One of the other issues with getting Granderson would be the fact that he’s owed $15M next season, which is a relatively hefty price tag to pay for a team that doesn’t have much money to spend.
Bruce has long been a trade target of the Orioles and is, without a doubt, the better player between him and Granderson, though he’ll likely net a higher price tag. Last year, Bruce hit .250/.309/.506 with 33 HRs, 74 R, and 99 RBIs, which was his best season in years.
The 29-year-old is an ok fielder, but an excellent hitter, and would likely translate very well in the AL East. Bruce is owed $13M next year, both he and Granderson will be free agents after the 2017 season.
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Either Granderson or Bruce would give the Orioles a much-needed addition to the outfield, as well as a left-handed bat, something else the lineup is in desperate need of. For the right price, either player could be worth it.