8:31pm: Morosi says the Rays are still a player; he tweets that the team could end up shipping out two starters, one to each of the two other teams.
It seems that the reason for the involvement of a third team is that Cinci prefers position-player prospects, per Heyman (via Twitter), while the Dodgers are somewhat more inclined to deal arms. Of course, an earlier report suggested that the Rays’ role could involve sending a pitcher to the Reds, so the entire situation still seems in flux at present.
8:08pm: Tampa Bay is actually not involved in any Dodgers-Reds scenarios, Stark tweets.
7:36pm: The Rays appear to be the potential third team, per a Morosi tweet. Tampa Bay has been chatting with Los Angeles about scenarios that “could link up” with the talks between the Reds and Dodgers.
7:23pm: Talks between the Reds and Dodgers involving Bruce and Puig “didn’t materialize,” according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link). He adds, though, that there are other trade scenarios still being tossed around between the clubs.
6:59pm: Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig could be in play in the talks regarding Bruce, Stark tweets. He’d presumably be pushed out of a regular role if a significant corner outfielder is added, and Stark says that L.A. has been trying to move him in proposals with other teams.
6:24pm: The Reds and Dodgers could be putting together another three-team arrangement after joining up for such a deal over the winter, Jayson Stark of ESPN.com tweets. Details — including the would-be facilitator — remain unclear, but Bruce would end up in Los Angeles if it comes to fruition.
5:46pm: The Dodgers remain in the hunt for Bruce, with MLB.com’s Mark Sheldon tweeting that there’s dialogue between the clubs and Jon Heyman of Fan Rag adding (via Twitter) that he has heard the same. Los Angeles isn’t keen on the idea of giving up much in the way of prospects to make a deal, though, per C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer (Twitter link).
Heyman also lists the Nationals, Orioles, Mariners, and Mets as teams with ongoing interest — many of whom have been tied to Bruce in recent days (if not for longer). Despite the report below suggesting that Seattle had left the Bruce market, Heyman’s report adds to another suggesting that he’s still in play. And while the Giants were also said to be out on Bruce, Nightengale tweets that they are still holding talks — even with Hunter Pence now set to return from the DL.
5:28pm: Two new entrants in the market have ratcheted up the bidding on Bruce, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today (Twitter link). The pair of mystery teams has been “aggressive,” per the report.
It remains somewhat difficult to guess where exactly the most focused interest could come from. Bruce, after all, would be a flexible addition for most AL contenders and could also fit with an NL team that is looking to add pop and has favorable scouting reports on his glove in right. With an added year of team control through an affordable-enough option, there’s also some future value — and the possibility of an offseason deal to return something different if Bruce isn’t needed past the present season in his new home.
2:16pm: The Mets are among the clubs that have spoken with the Reds about outfielder Jay Bruce, according to ESPN.com’s Buster Olney (via Twitter). Among the other teams in dialogue with Cincinnati are the Dodgers, Nationals, and Orioles, ESPN.com’s Jerry Crasnick adds on Twitter.
New York’s level of interest isn’t too great at the moment, per Joel Sherman of the New York Post (Twitter link). And Crasnick adds that the Nats and O’s appear to have their sights set on other areas at present. Likewise, we’ve heard that the Dodgers have engaged on a number of other possibilities, including Josh Reddick.
Two other potential suitors — the Giants and Mariners — “appear to be out,” according to Crasnick. With Seattle and San Francisco apparently no longer in pursuit, and none of the teams listed above appearing to represent aggressive pursuers, it’s not hard to see why Cincinnati president of baseball operations Walt Jocketty expressed frustration yesterday over the response that Bruce has drawn on the market.
Bruce has put up quite a nice season after two straight duds. And he comes with control rights for 2017; though his $13MM option isn’t cheap, it looks more appealing than committing a similar annual amount for a longer term to an alternative on the free agent market this winter.
It has seemed at various times that Bruce’s big power numbers, added year of control, and eminent availability would make him a desirable and quite likely trade candidate. But Jocketty suggested a deal isn’t inevitable for a player that the Reds value quite highly.
I don’t get why the Dodgers haven’t gotten this guy already. He kills the Giants and kills it at Dodgers Stadium. Let’s make this happen already!
Because what they really need is a RHB in the outfield?
Howie is a RHB outfielder and he is on fire lately so you can’t take him out. Joc just can’t figure things out with the bat but his defense is very important to the team so you leave in Center. I would absolutely take Bruce over someone like Reddick.
Kendrick and Turner are the only regular RHBs in the lineup. Switch Puig for Bruce and the lineup is even more lopsided.
He has bad numbers there…..Bruce has also struggled at Dodger Stadium throughout his career. In 71 career at-bats at Chavez Ravine, he has a .155 BA, a .228 OBP, and a .282 SLG.
He has bad numbers where? You said he has bad numbers there and also struggles at Dodgers stadium so I’m wondering where there is? I never said he is good at Giants stadium if that’s what you’re referring to, I said he kills the Giants. Look at his Home Runs and Runs Batted In against the Giants. Also I wasn’t aware of those numbers at Dodgers Stadium but it seems like he had done well against us. Guess I was wrong there. Still want him over any other outfielder available. I would like CarGo but that isn’t going to happen so this is the guy
You want CarGo? He’s a career .258/.313/.437 away from Coors. He’s even worse at Dodger Stadium, .243/.337/.370. .228/.280/.358 at ATT, .255/.319/.396 at Petco, .283/.353/.511 at Chase…..which like Coors, happens to be a hitters park. CarGo is a product of hitters parks and would cost more in a trade than Bruce.
This is the most meaningless stat ever. You’re giving a stat about how he did there while facing Dodgers pitching. He’s not going to do that if he’s playing for the Dodgers at Dodgers stadium. Maybe he would destroy Giants, Padres, etc. pitchers at that ballpark. You never know.
No reason to give him away. Can always trade him in the off-season or at the deadline next year. His contract isn’t hurting the Reds any considering their payroll is $20M less than last year.
I don’t expect them to give him away but at this point his trade value may never be as high as it is now(and obviously mentioned in other columns the Reds aren’t too impressed with the offers) and get what they can before he slumps or gets injured again next year.
The Reds need to teach him how to pitch in the 8th or 9th innings because apparently that is all that matters to teams right now.
The Mets being in on Bruce makes no sense unless Cespedes is hurt worse than admitted…and if Ces is hurt, why would the Mets think they have ANY chance this year???
Mets need a CF.
Or Mets are scared they will not be able to retain Cespedes and want to still have a power bar like Bruce.
The DBacks should have held onto Ziegler for a couple more weeks. He’s no Miller or Davis but he’s decent. Could have probably gotten a team’s top 10 prospect.
Yes he was solid last night blowing the win for the Red Sox.
Yeah I do t see why any teams would want the national league leader in RBI’s
I would not at all be surprised if he ends up in Cleveland.
Need to pair him with either cozart, straily, or cingrani and try for top prospects!
Why wouldn’t any team want the RBI leader of the NL?
Giants are just trying to drive the price up for the Dodgers.
Or maybe vice-versa. Ever think of that?
More like Bruce would be their best outfielder, gimpy Pence notwithstanding.Same probably holds true with Dodgers, who will likely land him now that Hill still can’t pitch and the Oakland package looks doubtful.
I really am not seeing where Bruce fits in with the Dodgers. The lineup is already way too heavy with left-handers.
maybe they have a big rh bat coming in?
From where? So far none of these rumors that I can recall include one.
The only positions that could use a clear offensive upgrade would be cf and c. But, with this front office, you just never know. Could still see them looking at Longo.
It is looking more and more like the dodgers. Giants aren’t going to overpay for a guy like that.
Yeah they would rather overpay for a couple months of Mike Leake. All they gave away was their #1 or #2 prospect and Adam Duvall.
The Duvall addition hurts, but those power numbers are benefitting greatly from that ballpark. Low average. Starting pitching was a greater need last year than a sub par defensive outfielder is this year.
If the mets get Bruce and Lucroy plus a reliever it’s a wrap for baseball
Even as a mets fan I don’t think it’s a wrap
LOL
You can’t be serious.
Bruce and Cozart to the Mets. Cabrera could move to 3rd.
I know it won’t happen for numerous reasons, but the Mets should try to nab Votto.
If the Reds could end up with Verdugo + filler I would be happy for Bruce. Walt will probably get screwed again though because he’s turrible.
Indians get Puig
Dodgers get Bruce
Reds get Zimmer
Mid-level prospect to even it all out?
Zimmer + someone like Barnes from the Dodgers maybe?
Unlikely Indians part with Zimmer and only get Puig back
No way Indians part with Zimmer for Puig
Indians give up zimmer for Puig? no way
They’d get more than Puig
No thanks from the Reds
The other 2 starting outfielders are both better than Zimmer and the Reds have 2 outfielders waiting in the wings at AAA
No chance the Indians give up Zimmer ( a stud OF with his 6 yrs of control) for the headcase Puig who teams have figured out. Or even 1.5 years of Bruce ( and his horrendous defense) for that matter.
Why are the dodgers trying to move Puig? His production seems to exceed his contract.
This is a joke. This has to be a joke. Or you have never seen a baseball game in your life.
Mariners: Puig, Cosart
Reds: Marte, Tyler O’Neil, Grant Holmes
Dodgers: Bruce, Taijuan Walker
You must be a Dodgers fan haha. There is no way this would happen. Why wouldn’t the Mariners just trade Walker for Cozart and Bruce, that would be a better deal for both teams. Also, the Reds don’t need a SS, they are looking to clear the spot for Peraza.
And just for the record, the Mariners aren’t trading Walker, GM shut the door on that.
Could the third team be the Mets?
Mets send 1 prospect
Dodgers send 1-2 prospects
Puig to Mets, Bruce to Dodgers
No. Absolutely not. Zero interest in that basket case.
but they’ll sign a wife beater, a PED user, multiple defensive liabilities, but a head case is a red light.. lol
He’s also not very good right now, so there’s that
Is Bruce in Starting Lineup if not something could be happening soon?
Bruce is in the line-up in San Diego
Man the dodgers need to keep Puig , trade fir bruce, and put Bruce in left. Howie and Urey were supposed to be platooning
I never realized how incrementally puigs numbers dropped until just looking, however we all know his upside. I would consider 2.5 years of Puig (bc of arbitration) for 1.5years of Bruce. Bruce is hot now but Puig has the potential. Obviously that hasn’t worked even with the best coaches so it’s a risk but idk. I’m curious to see where he would go and am surprised the dodgers are actually trading him
I have seen a few games where he made blunders but I thought Puig was trying to rebuild his relationship with the coach and front office. I haven’t watched him enough but I know his of field and attitude issues but seemed like he was trying to repair it
Could the Dodgers end up with Bruce and a starter from TB?
Dodgers get: Bruce and Archer..
Reds Get: Holmes and a bunch of lesser LA and Tampa prospects
Rays get Puig, DeLeon and a few more prospects.
Dodgers get Bruce,Steve P. and Moore because Urias would what Tampa Bay if give up Archer.
Reds get DeLeon,Montias and so on.
Rays get Puig and so on.
I’d guess Bruce and one of Moore/Odorizzi/Archer going to LA with Puig and prospects going to Tampa and more prospects going to Cincy
I’d take a flyer on Puig. Him in RF next to Hamilton could be sweet, doesn’t seem like Puig will be involved though.
What are the Reds looking for at this point? They have so many young young prospects its hard to predict how they will pan out and where their holes will be. My guess is more pitching, you can never have enough.
Reds are probably looking for the best hitting prospect they can get, ideally a RF.
You’d think they’d want a young prospect, rather than someone getting paid a lot each year like Puig.
Their top prospect is Jesse Winker, whose greatest weakness is probably an arm pushing him to LF. They have Billy Hamilton for CF, Joey Votto for 1b, and just drafted Nick Senzel for 3b. They think Jose Peraza can play SS. Adam Duvall has had a good season and Scott Schebler has had a few impressive months in AAA now, but I think they still want another corner outfielder with more upside.
The strength of the Reds’ farm system is indeed in pitching prospects, maybe they’ll be willing to add another arm to it, but that doesn’t seem to be a priority like the outfield.
I think you are spot on. Hamilton looks like he is hitting enough to stick but it’s hard to tell, Duvall looks locked in for the next 5 years but I’m not sold on Winker.
It amazes me that the experts get paid to cover this stuff and feed us their guesses and speculations
The well known guys like Heyman, Morosi, Rosenthal aren’t just sitting there making up stuff they are dealing with insiders who probably have incomplete information, it is definitely not guessing and speculating.
Rosenthal isn’t even Tweeting about Rumor. A Tweet in Morsi Tweet says Puig is going to Rays.
We only utilize reporting — unless we clearly mark something as an analytical point or some speculative guess. So, in theory at least, these guys are stating something that is actually being discussed, at least as a source (hopefully confirmed in some fashion) tells them.
I think people underestimate the amount of chatter that really does go on. 99% doesn’t result in anything, but that doesn’t make it speculation — if the discussion happened, or the deal was close, etc, then those things happened regardless of whether a transaction occurs. The reliable reporters take this seriously and will only utilize reliable sources.
As a college kid earning a communications degree with a journalism concentration, one of the first lessons of reporting on anything involves confirming it with more than one reliable source.
We’d never get any information in that case. It’s highly unlikely two people in the same front office will leak information readily – and just as unlikely to have two reporters getting the same leak. In this line of work, so much is connection based – I just don’t think we’d have much to consume if everything had to get through two checks.
Walt Jocketty is well known in Reds country for NOT permitting leaks. It’s hard to track what he’s up to, seemingly rumors always come out of the OTHER side. It’s very hard to know what Jocketty is thinking, let alone to report it. His trades, good or bad, often seemingly come out of the blue, catching even diehard Reds fans by surprise…. not necessarily that a move was unexpected, but that nothing related to the move leaked.
It’s the White Sox again….. Frazier’s flu was a cover up.
“Los Angeles isn’t keen on the idea of giving up much in the way of prospects to make a deal”
How exactly do they think making a deal works then?? Should the Reds just give Bruce to the Dodgers because they want him and they’re LA??
I think the implication is that the centrepiece should come from the 25 man roster – in Puig.
Dodgers get Bruce and Archer
Reds get Moore and De Leon
Rays get Cozart, Puig, and Barnes
??? I don’t know haha anyone’s guess
Maybe one more prospect to the Rays?
This return for Archer AND Moore is comical. Puig is hot garbage.
The Reds should trade for a kinda good and bad outfielder then get a pitcher in the deal too. Because they are in rebuilding mode.
Why the hell would Puig want to go play in Cinci or Tampa?? If he’s not up to/excited about LA, you really think he’s gonna pick it up for 7,000 people at the Trop??
I didn’t realize he had a choice.
Atlanta is rumored to be the third team now. Bruce/Teheran to Dodgers Puig/Cosart to Braves + a top prospect for Teheran. Reds get prospects for Bruce & Cosart is my guess. Atlanta loves being the third team in Dodgers trades. If it’s like the Marlins/Braves/Dodgers deal last year, it could be a lot player movement.
That’s not happening…If you’re going to make something up, at least make the Reds look like they are getting something concrete back besides “Reds get prospects”
Three way Deal goes like this: Los Angeles Dodgers get Jay Bruce from Cincinnati and Kolby Allard from the Braves. Atlanta Braves get Yasiel Puig from the Dodgers and Tyler Stephenson from the Reds. Cincinnati Reds gets Trayce Thompson and Austin Barnes from Los Angeles and Travis Demeritte from Atlanta.
Truth is no one knows what the Proposed deals are/will be. We know the Reds and Dodgers are working on a deal to get Bruce to LA. A third team is needed to make a deal happen. Braves? Rays? Very possible. These are facts. What I don’t understand is, posters on here asking, why the Dodgers want another LHB? 1) because he’s a power hitter (leads NL RBI) and 2)his contract is attractive. (Team option @ reasonable cost) 3)defense is good, not great. And the last point, the Dodgers front office will make a deal happen with the players THEY feel are worth making a deal for Bruce, not you, the casual troll poster on MLBTR. The FO gets paid to make transactions not US! Deal With it!