Report: Mets-Reds talks regarding Jay Bruce losing momentum

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The New York Mets are reportedly moving on from their pursuit of Cincinnati Reds slugger Jay Bruce.

Talks between the two clubs "may have lost momentum" due to Cincinnati's concerns over the Mets' trade package, according to ESPN's Jerry Crasnick. It was widely reported that the Mets were willing to include right-hander Zack Wheeler in the potential deal.

However, sources tell Andy Martino of the New York Daily News that the Mets are still exploring adding two bats before Friday's non-waiver trade deadline.

Wheeler has been sidelined since March after undergoing Tommy John surgery and is expected to return some time in June or July of 2016. The 25-year-old went 11-11 with a 3.54 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 2014, recording 187 strikeouts in 185 1/3 innings.

Bruce, meanwhile, would've added much needed power into the middle of the Mets' lineup. The veteran is hitting .257/.341/.486 with 17 homers, 23 doubles, and 59 RBIs in 97 games.