Cleveland Indians: 5 most likely spots for Jay Bruce

New York Mets

The Mets traded Jay Bruce to the Indians, but New York could use him back.

But would Bruce return to New York.

Much was made of Bruce’s affinity of smaller markets. It was rumored that he really liked Cleveland because it reminded him of his days with the Cincinnati Reds.

Bruce is from Texas, and according to this story from the New York Post, the slugger’s friend’s don’t think the Mets will be a top choice.

Bruce hit .259, 29 bombs and 75 RBIs with the Mets. With the Tribe, he cracked seven moonshots, driving in 26 in just 43 games.

New York Daily News writer John Harper believes Bruce will return to New York, because he’ll get an offer other teams simply won’t be able to match.

Harper predicted Bruce would return to New York for four years and $60 million.

If that turns out to be the case, you can understand why the Indians might shy away from brining him back.

The Indians are in a spot to go on a crazy spending spree, and with that said, it just doesn’t seem like “the Indian way” to dole out a four-year contract to Bruce. Heck, Edwin Encarnacion only got three years.

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But if Harper’s prediction comes true, we’ll all be reminded of the cold, hard truth that comes with playing in a big market and that’s big market clubs can outspend their mistakes.