The Cincinnati Reds are trying to trade outfielder Jay Bruce, who is among the most likely players to be traded before deadline. The Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners and Washington Nationals are among the known teams interested in making a deal for Bruce. He has two more controllable years left on his contract and is the best corner outfielder (realistically) on the market at this year's deadline. The Reds have said they want a top prospect for Bruce. Below, we have all the latest rumors surrounding Bruce, broken down by team and in alphabetical order.
As new information is made available, we'll update this post.
Update 2: 7:28 p.m. ET
3-Team Trade?
There are now rumblings of a potential three-team trade involving Bruce and the Dodgers.
Rumblings of a big 3-team extravaganza brewing with the Dodgers, Reds & a mystery team. Jay Bruce would land in LA when the dust settles
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) July 29, 2016
If the "mystery team is revealed, we'll update this post.
Update 1: 6:25 p.m. ET
New Teams In The Mix?
It appears that two new teams, which in theory aren't the ones below, have entered the race.
The market has never been hotter for #Reds Jay Bruce. Two new clubs have entered the sweepstakes within last 24 hours, and are aggressive
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 29, 2016
Nightengale doesn't mention who the teams. If he does, we'll update this post again.
Original Post Below:
Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles tried and failed to land Melvin Upton earlier, leaving them with a hole in the outfield. They are one of the several teams that could make a push for Bruce.
#Dodgers, #Nationals and #Orioles have been talking with #Reds about Jay Bruce, source says. #SFGiants and #Mariners appear to be out.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) July 29, 2016
Quick note - we'll use that tweet for most of the teams below, so don't forget about it. Bruce would provide another much needed bat in the corner outfield. However, the Orioles are thin on prospects and might not be willing to give up what the Reds want.
Cleveland Indians
The Indians have been mentioned in previous rumors for Bruce, but with money tight, don't expect a trade. The Indians simply can't afford Bruce's $12.5 million salary this year (plus a $13 million club option), unless the Reds agree to take on most of that. That would cost the Indians a better prospect(s) than they are likely willing to give up.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers have been linked to Bruce repeatedly, and they make sense as a fit. It's unclear when Andre Either will return, and Joc Pederson is the only must-start in the outfield, since Yasiel Puig has been mentioned in trade rumors. The Dodgers have more than enough prospects to land Bruce and have a solid trade relationship with the Reds.
New York Mets
The Mets and Reds discussed a Bruce trade last deadline and they are back at it again.
Among the teams that have expressed interest in Jay Bruce: The New York Mets. Offense needed now, and '17 coverage if Cespedes opts out.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 29, 2016
It also gives them some help with Juan Lagares set for thumb surgery. Last year, the Mets offered SP Zack Wheeler, with the Reds wanting more. Bruce's stock has only gone up since then, and it'll cost the Mets even more this season.
San Francisco Giants
The Giants could use another outfielder, although Hunter Pence's return makes it less of a need. That might be why the Giants appear to have backed out of the race. The Giants and Reds have made trades in the past, but Bruce going to San Francisco seems a bit unlikely at the moment.
Seattle Mariners
There are conflicting reports about Seattle's interest in Bruce. There's the tweet above and then this one.
#Mariners have inquired about Reds SS Zack Cozart. Not a perfect fit w/ Ketel Marte due back sooner than expected. But M's on Cozart & Bruce
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) July 29, 2016
The Mariners are a bit of strange buyer at the deadline, since they are several games back of a wild card spot. There hasn't been much interest for Cozart, because although he's playing well, the contenders don't really need a shortstop.
Washington Nationals
The Nationals have long been connected to Bruce, and the presence of former Reds manager Dusty Baker is likely a factor in that. The Nationals make some sense as a landing spot since they tried to add Jason Heyward this offseason. However, their focus might be on adding a closer than getting an OF to start over Jayson Werth.