If it feels like Jay Bruce has been on the trade market forever, it’s because he has been. The never-ending “will the Reds trade Bruce?” chatter might finally be coming to a close, however.
Cincinnati’s All-Star outfielder is drawing interest from several contenders as Monday’s non-waiver trade deadline approaches. Chief among those teams: The Los Angeles Dodgers.
L.A. has been looking for a reason to move on from Yasiel Puig, and it seems adding Bruce — a left-handed power hitter — is as good a reason as any.
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
But the Reds don’t appear to be interested in Puig (or they want more than the Dodgers are willing to offer), which would explain the need for a third team.
Sources: Dodgers, Reds discussed deal centered around Jay Bruce and Yasiel Puig. Didn't materialize. Still plenty of permutations possible.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2016
#Dodgers indeed having serious discussions about bringing Jay Bruce to LA. Deal could be 2- or 3-team scenario (with #Rays). #Reds @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 30, 2016
Except the Tampa Bay Rays probably aren’t the third team, according to some reports.
Sources say the Rays are not the third team in this Dodgers-Reds deal. So the coast-to-coast team hunt goes on!
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) July 30, 2016
So where else could Bruce land?
https://twitter.com/TBrownYahoo/status/759171661568409601
dodgers very much in play for jay bruce. LAD may prefer rh hitter, but they like bruce. nats, o's ,m's, mets, others in mix
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 29, 2016
In other words, pull some team’s name out of a hat. You might just pick the winner of the Jay Bruce Sweepstakes.
Thumbnail photo via David Kohl/USA TODAY Sports Images
