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MLB Trade Deadline: 15 deals that should happen

By Nathaniel Reeves

May 14, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 29, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce (32) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce (32) runs the bases after hitting a solo home run in the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Jay Bruce to the Kansas City Royals

By dealing Johnny Cueto and Aroldis Chapman over the past year, the Reds finally started a rebuilding process that was long overdue. Cincinnati has done a good job amassing young talent, particularly on the pitching side, and has two or three more veteran pieces to sell off at the 2016 deadline.

Of those trade chips, Bruce looks to be the most valuable. The 29-year-old is having a resurgent season at the plate and could represent an upgrade to a few contenders, particularly if he doesn’t have to play the field.

Between 2010 and 2013, Bruce was a consistent producer at the plate, earning him a selection to two All-Star Games and a pair of 10th place MVP finishes. Bruce posted no worse than a 117 wRC+ over that span per FanGraphs while accumulating a combined 14.8 WAR.

The 29-year-old would then run into some injury trouble while really struggling at the plate in 2014 and 2015. Bruce’s trade window looked to be closed, but he’s unexpectedly bounced back this season with a career-best 129 wRC through 302 plate appearances.

While Bruce’s poor defense keeps him roughly at replacement level, an AL team could find some value in that bat. The Royals could use an upgrade at designated hitter as Kendrys Morales has regressed heavily this season, and will likely be a buyer at the deadline as contenders for the second Wild Card spot.

If Bruce’s bat drops off, the Royals won’t have given up much for a rental, and they could choose to exercise his $13 million option for next season should he continue to hit well.

Next: 9. Rich Hill to the Baltimore Orioles

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