After USA Today reported the Reds had "found a match" for Bruce with a National League team, subsequent reports indicated he could be headed to the Mets.
ESPN’s Jerry Crasnik had other teams still in the running, though.
Bruce continues to be the focus of the most speculation, but Zack Cozart’s is in the news as well.
From earlier:
So far the name most often coming up in reports seems to be Jay Bruce, but other moves could be in the offing as well with the Reds still having a handful of veterans who probably aren’t part of the long-term plans.
With Bruce on a tear lately, has the prospect of moving the outfielder gone up?
ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick reported earlier this week talks had “picked up the pace,” adding that the Mariners were among the interested clubs.
Friday, he had the list of interested parties narrowed to a trio that excludes Seattle.
Earlier in the day, Crasnick’s colleague Buster Olney reported the Mets are part of the Bruce sweepstakes as well after nearly acquiring him last year.
President of baseball operations Walt Jocketty provided some insight into the club's thought process this week when talking to reporters in San Diego.
Trading Bruce makes sense in order to make room in the outfield for a youngster to play, but they could hold out until the offseason if they don’t get the type of premium prospect they want. Not that that worked out with Aroldis Chapman, but it is a strategy that has some merit for a team that truly needs more top-end talent position players more than anything else.
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Moving Zack Cozart seems to make sense as the shortstop turns 31 in August and is eligible for a raise through arbitration this offseason, but so far it appears he will remain a Red.
After MLB.com reported no discussions had taken place regarding Cozart, ESPN’s Jayson Stark brought some new information. He also had the Mariners still interested in Bruce.
If there are any surprise moves, who might they be? Purely speculating, 30-something relief pitchers Ross Ohlendorf and Blake Wood could be of use to a contender needing an extra arm for the rest of the summer, and we’re not completely ruling out the idea the Reds could sell high on All-Star left fielder Adam Duvall as they did with Todd Frazier.
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