Despite playing host to the 2015 MLB All-Star game, the Cincinnati Reds are in the midst of yet another down year.
That has lead to speculation they could attempt to unload big ticket names off their roster, including Jay Bruce who is said to be available in trade, this according to CBS Sports.
Jon Heyman reports that a handful of teams have expressed interest in trading for an outfielder this season, including the San Francisco Giants and Pittsburgh Pirates, who could seek out a Jay Bruce trade.
Reds right fielder Jay Bruce is available in trade, league sources say.
The Reds are expected by rivals to become a full-fledged seller in coming days, perhaps shortly after the All-Star Game here, but to this point the one name being heard is Bruce, which is somewhat curious since they have multiple big players who are free agents after the year, and Bruce isn’t one of them.
Teams considering outfielders this trade season include the Angels, Pirates, Royals and Giants. The Blue Jays may, too, but their priority is a starting pitcher, followed by a back-end bullpen piece. The Yankees may seek a hitter, but it’s more likely to be one who bats righthanded. The Angels are one team that’s been looking for a lefty bat since things didn’t work out there with Josh Hamilton this year.
Once the Reds decide to sell, and rivals suggest they expect that day is coming, they should have quite an interesting sale. Ace pitcher Johnny Cueto and solid starter Mike Leake are free agents after the year and would be expected to be part of any sale, as could be reliever Manny Parra and others.
Given the large amount of teams seeking a power bat in the outfield and the lack of such on the trade market, the Cincinnati Reds shouldn’t have much issue obtaining a solid return in a Jay Bruce trade.
