Jay Bruce Reportedly a Potential Trade Target for Cleveland Indians

As Jay Bruce prepares for the possibility of being traded away from the New York Mets before the MLB trade deadline, one team that could potentially inquire about his services is Cleveland. 

According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, "Bruce could be of interest to [Cleveland], who are looking at a few different areas."

Earlier on Thursday, Bruce seemed resigned to the fact that he will likely be traded by the struggling Mets.

"I came here as a hired gun," he told Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News. "I know what I am and what situation I am in. This is a business. Don’t get me wrong, I love playing the game, I always will. But this is my job. I am a hired gun and I go where I am needed."

Ackert reported that the Mets haven't yet approached Bruce about moving him, and that "there has been limited interest again in Bruce, so there have even been discussions about the possibility of bringing him back for next season."

The situation could be complicated by the fact that Bruce has an eight-team no-trade clause in his contract. But Bruce understands that the 42-50 Mets may be in selling mode and looking to stockpile assets for the future.

"If they have the chance to make their organization better by trading me, they would be crazy not to do it," he told Ackert. "I know that they have to look out for their future here. I expect they will do that if they have the chance. I know what can happen."

Bruce, 30, is hitting .266 with 24 home runs and 64 RBI this season. He remains an excellent source of power in the middle of a lineup for the Mets, though given his status as a free agent after the season, he'll potentially be nothing more than a rental.

That limits his value on the open market, though baseball writer Ken Rosenthal noted that the Mets "are willing to include cash in trades to secure better prospects," which could help facilitate a deal for Bruce.

Cleveland, meanwhile, could use more pop in the lineup. The team is currently 48-45 and in first place in the AL Central but dealing with injuries to Jason Kipnis and Lonnie Chisenhall. Carlos Santana, meanwhile, is having a down year.

The offense is currently eighth in the American League in runs and 11th in home runs. So adding another power bat would certainly make sense for the defending AL champions.