Report: Mets could move Bruce, Granderson after Cespedes deal

The reported return of Yoenis Cespedes to the New York Mets could spell the end of another outfielder's tenure in Queens.

With the Mets' outfield now overcrowded, the team is reportedly looking to deal from that surplus, with Jay Bruce and Curtis Granderson apparently being the most likely trade candidates, according to Marc Carig of Newsday.

Dangling one of those bats in a trade could help the Mets fill one of their other needs, including a bullpen arm, an upgrade at catcher, or another right-handed bat. Bruce and Granderson both swing from the left side.

Bruce, who was acquired from Cincinnati at the trade deadline, had his $13-million option for 2017 picked up by New York earlier this winter, largely as insurance in case Cespedes walked.

Still, the 29-year-old's name has been surfacing in rumors throughout the offseason after struggling during his brief tenure at Citi Field. The Toronto Blue Jays, who nearly acquired Bruce last February, reportedly discussed a trade for the three-time All-Star earlier this month.

Granderson saw his rate statistics and stolen-base numbers drop slightly in 2016, but he did reach the 30-homer mark for the fourth time in his career. He was also a constant presence in a Mets lineup that suffered through a myriad of injuries in 2016, as he played in 150 of the team's 162 games. It was the fifth time in his last six seasons that he played at least 150 games.

The 35-year-old is entering the final season of a four-year, $60-million deal he signed with the Mets in 2014; he'll be paid $15-million next year.

Earlier in November it was reported that teams had approached the Mets about their glut of outfielders, including Bruce, Granderson, and young outfielder Michael Conforto.