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MLB Trade Deadline: 5 players on the trade block

By Jason Evans

Aug 18, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher James Shields (33) reacts after getting out of the fourth inning with the bases loaded on a double play against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher James Shields (33) reacts after getting out of the fourth inning with the bases loaded on a double play against the Atlanta Braves at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 4, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce (32) hits a two-run single during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Great American Ball Park. The Reds won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce (32) hits a two-run single during the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Great American Ball Park. The Reds won 6-2. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

3. OF- Jay Bruce

The Cincinnati Reds almost traded Jay Bruce to the Toronto Blue Jays during spring training, and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t continue to gauge interest in the left-handed hitting outfielder as the season continues. The Reds are off to a good start, thanks to their young rotation, but the plan is to continue to add assets and value for the future and trading Bruce would be the next logical step.

The 29 year old outfielder is off to a good start this season after hitting just .226 and .217 over the past two seasons. Bruce does have three 30+ homer seasons, but the past two seasons have been a struggle, posting below league average OPS+ because of those low batting averages and posting sub-.300 on base percentages.

Bruce is set to make $12 million this year and has a $13 million team option for 2017, which in today’s market, isn’t going to break the back of most contending teams.

If Bruce can hit like he did back in 2013, there shouldn’t be a shortage of suitors for his services as the Reds can cash Bruce in and continue to rebuild.

Next: 2. Andrew Cashner

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