Jay Bruce Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz and Speculation Surrounding Reds Star

Matt FitzgeraldJul 13, 2015

Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce is reportedly on the trading block ahead of the trade deadline on July 31.

Continue for updates.

Reds Getting Cold Feet on Bruce Deald

Friday, July 31

Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reported the Reds and Mets' talks may have lost momentum as the Reds have concerns over the Mets' package of players.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported the New York Mets were in overnight talks with the Reds regarding Bruce, and noted the "expectation among many in [the] industry is that [the] deal will happen."

Adam Rubin of ESPN noted a third player could be involved in a deal.

According to ESPN's Buster Olney on July 30, the Reds are "willing" to deal Bruce to the Mets in exchange for pitcher Zack Wheeler.

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported the Mets were "heavily scouting" Bruce on July 26.

Bruce Reportedly Available; Orioles Express Interest

Monday, July 20

Jon Morosi of Fox Sports reported the Orioles have been "scouting" Bruce. On July 13, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reported Bruce was being made accessible in trade negotiations—even with three years remaining on his current contract.

Bruce is a two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger Award recipient who averaged 32 home runs per season from 2011-2013. Last year was a down year for Bruce, as he batted just .217, but after a rocky start to the current campaign, the 28-year-old has bounced back.

Olney reported on July 12 that Bruce has been on the block for a while. Olney also highlighted how Bruce has made significant strides since seeing his average dip to .162 on May 14, and he speculated the New York Mets as potential trade suitors in his analysis on July 13:

Bruce discussed his slow start with the Cincinnati Enquirer's John Fay:

"
I had a bad first month and 10 days. I left myself with a hole to dig out of. There's still a lot work to do. I'm still not close to where I want to be. I'm continuing to get better.
"

Despite the huge improvements, Bruce hasn't been immune to trade buzz in the midst of his resurgence. Crasnick and Baseball America also indicated on July 10 there was a "50-50" chance the Reds would trade Bruce in the month of July.

The next several years figure to be the prime of Bruce's career, though his recent inconsistency and high overall strikeout rate are causes for concern. Given the roll he's been on of late, it's wise for Cincinnati to at least explore selling high on Bruce if it can.

In his report, Heyman says the Reds could be in for a massive sale in a matter of days, with Bruce being shipped out of town as one element of a roster overhaul. That could well be the case, as Cincinnati has a remote chance of making the playoffs at this point.

Numerous rumors swirling around Bruce suggest his days with the Reds are numbered. Perhaps a change of scenery and continuing to work on his craft elsewhere will be in Bruce's best interests and also net Cincinnati solid compensation.