The New York Mets have informed outfielder Jay Bruce that they have picked up his $13 million option for the 2017 season. The Mets have all but prepared for Yoenis Cespedes to opt out of his contract and enter free agency, which leaves Bruce as a viable replacement if no new deal can be reached between both parties. The $13 million price tag that follows Bruce could actually be considered a bargain due to the high-priced contracts that are going to be handed out this winter to many position players.

The Mets as of right now don’t seem to have a specific plan for Bruce heading into the 2017 season. Bruce’s fate essentially lies in the hands of Cespedes, who is expected to enter free agency, and the organization is going to see what happens on that front before deciding what to do with the 29-year old slugger. Bruce never fit like the Mets originally envisioned when he was acquired, as he hit a lowly .219 with eight home runs and 19 RBI’s in 50 games played. A far cry from the numbers he was putting up for the Cincinnati Reds prior to the Trade Deadline, as he was leading the National League in numerous offensive categories.

If Cespedes returns to the Mets, Bruce will become expendable and more likely than not will be traded to fill other holes on the roster. Basically all in all, while Bruce’s option has been picked up by the Mets, there is still no guarentte that he will be on the Opening Day lineup come 2017. It will be a wait and see approach regarding the Mets outfield from here on out and it begins with Yoenis Cespedes decision.