Fansided

10 trades contenders should make prior to MLB Trade Deadline

By Dan Schmelzer

May 15, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) celebrates his solo home run in the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) celebrates his solo home run in the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jay Bruce
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 /

10. Chicago White Sox trade for Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce

The 26-18 Chicago White Sox have been one of the surprise contenders in baseball this season. Led by timely hitting and an incredible top of the rotation, the White Sox currently lead the American League Central, and have shown no signs of going away.

While rotation depth is a bit of an issue, a one through four of Chris Sale, Jose Quintana, Carlos Rodon and Mat Latos is extremely solid and should help them get by any fifth starter issues they may have. Finding another bat to put in the middle of the order should be the higher priority for the White Sox, preferably a left-handed slugger.

With the Cincinnati Reds not going to be serious contenders anytime soon, they should be freely willing to move Jay Bruce before the trade deadline. Bruce has had a couple of down years with the Reds, but has appeared to get his career back on track this season.

Bruce is hitting .270/.327/.518 with a wRC+ of 120, according to Fangraphs. While he may not have corrected all of his issues from the past two years, Bruce has really gotten off to a nice start, and his powerful left-handed bat would be an extremely welcomed addition to the White Sox’ lineup.

Bruce could either step right in as the White Sox’ designated hitter, taking a full-time job from the struggling Avisail Garcia, or take over in right field, moving Adam Eaton over to take over for the struggling Austin Jackson. If Bruce were to enter the mix, I imagine he would see time at both DH and RF, with Garcia and Jackson being the ones losing the most playing time.

Even though they are surprise contenders, the White Sox are never afraid to give up prospects in exchange for a chance to compete now. While Bruce should come at a fairly reasonable price, as long as he keeps hitting, the White Sox will likely do what it takes to get the move done.

Next: 9. Martin Prado

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