Jay Bruce Reportedly Traded to New York Mets

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce has reportedly been traded to the New York Mets ahead of Monday's trade deadline.

Jon Heyman of Today's Knuckleball reported the agreement, citing sources. Prior to Heyman's report, Tim Brown of Yahoo Sports, citing a source, reported that prospect Brandon Nimmo would be part of the trade, "assuming it gets done." Joel Sherman of the New York Post added that two "lower-level prospects" will be included in addition to Nimmo.

Bruce is hitting .265/.316/.559 with 25 home runs and 80 runs batted in so far this season. It's been a surprising return to form that has the 29-year-old right fielder on pace for his first 30-homer season since 2013 and just his second campaign with 100 RBI.

Bruce said, per Zach Buchanan of the Cincinnati Enquirer:

"

I've been OK at baseball before this. I've had some good years and I feel normal. I think that's the biggest thing that I'm going to have to continue to show. I feel like Jay Bruce. Not 2014 and 15, those were miserable years. I was injured and I think some of that stuff carried over and had some bad habits that I got rid of.

"

Unfortunately, his efforts have been part of a lost cause in Cincinnati. As of Aug. 1, the Reds have a 42-62 record, sitting in last place in the competitive National League Central. With the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates all light-years ahead on the competitive-balance scale, it's unsurprising the Reds looked to move Bruce while his value was high.

Follow Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) on Twitter.