The Los Angeles Dodgers are among the teams reportedly interested in acquiring Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce before the August 1 trade deadline. 

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Dodgers May Shore Up OF with Bruce

Sunday, June 26 

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports reported Bruce is a “consideration” for the Dodgers. Los Angeles is not one of the teams covered by Bruce’s limited no-trade clause.

The 29-year-old right fielder is hitting .280/.329/.575 with 16 home runs and 57 runs batted in so far this season. It’s been a surprising return to form that has Bruce on pace for his first 30-homer season since 2013 and just his second campaign ever 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, it’s been all part of a lost cause in Cincinnati. The Reds entered Sunday with a 28-47 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 would look to move Bruce while his value is high.

The Dodgers have a need in the outfield with Andre Ethier still yet to make his season debut because of a leg injury. They’ve also gotten next to zero production from Yasiel Puig, while youngsters Trayce Thompson and Joc Pederson have been only intermittently effective. Bruce would instantly slot in as their most productive offensive outfielder.

Los Angeles also has competition. The Reds are not going to lack for suitors who are looking to acquire a big bat, and they may be able to drum up a bidding war as we get closer to the deadline. 

 

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