Right fielder Jay Bruce has been getting trade buzz for the past two seasons. Many thought the Reds would trade at last season’s deadline or this winter, but as it turns out, the Reds may have stumbled into Bruce’s highest trade value.
Bruce’s trade value is in his bat, and more specifically in his power potential. Over the course of a season, Bruce adds 20-25 home runs to any lineup. He has also cut his strikeout rate from 22.3 percent last season to 20.6 percent this season and he is hitting more line drives: Entering Wednesday 23.6 percent of his balls in play were line drives, up from 18.7 percent last season.
Bruce’s bat would fit will into several lineups, most notably those in the American League Central.
The Cleveland Indians have to deal with Michael Brantley in injury-induced limbo, and while Tyler Naquin is proving to be a more than adequate replacement, Bruce’s power would be a welcome addition. The Indians have a deep farm system and could make a trade involving outfield prospects Bradley Zimmer, Clint Frazier or Mike Papi.
The White Sox’s outfield is tied for 26th in the majors in slugging (.379), so Bruce’s bat in a hitter’s ballpark would be a great fit. The White Sox want to be buyers at the deadline, although they don’t have the farm system depth of the Indians.
The Kansas City Royals could use Bruce to fill the left-handed power void that was created when third baseman Mike Moustakas was lost for the year with a knee injury. Left fielder Alex Gordon is also on the Disabled List for a wrist injury, so Bruce could fill that role as well. The Royals, however, paid a hefty price in prospects to rent Cueto for a few months and may be reluctant to do the same with Bruce.
Next: Bruce heads west