MLB Trade Deadline: 5 trades that need to happen

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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 /

Jay Bruce to the Chicago White Sox

While the White Sox looked like a solid team on paper entering the season, few could have predicted they would get off to a good start behind excellent pitching and defense. There’s still a few holes on the roster, but Chicago will have some options to address them.

One such fit is acquiring Bruce from the Cincinnati Reds. While Bruce is coming off of a pair of down years, he could still be an upgrade for the White Sox, and the Reds will be selling anyone they can at the deadline as they continue their rebuild.

Between 2010-13, Bruce posted consistently above-average numbers at the plate and was worth a combined 14.8 WAR per FanGraphs. However, he lost much of his value after two down years while dealing with multiple injuries.

The Reds were hoping from a bounceback from the 29-year-old this season, and Bruce has looked a little better at the plate at least.

While there may be a bit of a log jam on Chicago’s roster, it could find room for an upgrade like Bruce if he continues at this rate. Adam Eaton could move over to center if Austin Jackson doesn’t improve, leaving right field to Bruce, or Chicago could move on from Avisail Garcia to open up the primary DH spot.

The good news for the White Sox is that they freed up $13 million with Adam LaRoche’s retirement, and they have the resources to acquire Bruce if needed.

Next: Jeremy Jeffress to the Los Angeles Dodgers

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