New York Mets

A year ago, the Mets nearly acquired Jay Bruce at the nonwaiver trade deadline before ending up with Yoenis Cespedes instead.

That worked out well — Cespedes rescued the Mets and carried them to the World Series. Now the Mets hope Bruce can do the same thing.

“I’m telling you, he’s going to make a huge impact here,” manager Terry Collins said.

The fit isn’t perfect, but the Mets, who had scored the fewest runs in the major leagues since the All-Star break, couldn’t worry too much about fits.

After acquiring Bruce from the Cincinnati Reds for second baseman Dilson Herrera and pitcher Max Wotell, they’ll play him in right field, with Cespedes in left.

Curtis Granderson and Michael Conforto likely will share time in center field, a position that doesn’t really suit either of them.

Bruce’s contract includes a $13 million team option for 2017, so he gives the Mets some protection if Cespedes leaves as a free agent this winter.

According to Elias Sports Bureau, Bruce is the first player traded during the season while he was leading the league in RBI.

The Mets reacquired lefthander Jon Niese, whom they had traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates last winter for second baseman Neil Walker. Niese will pitch out of the bullpen for now.

The Mets continue to be hit hard by injuries. Outfielder Juan

Lagares and third baseman Jose Reyes both went on the disabled list, and Cespedes is dealing with a strained right thigh muscle.