MLB Rumors: Chicago Cubs Could Target Reds’ OF Jay Bruce In Trade

The Chicago Cubs have been mentioned in a lot of MLB trade rumors as the deadline continues to draw closer. There are a lot of players they could target in order to boost their World Series chances. Theo Epstein knows that he has to make a move or two to shore up the holes in the roster, and he has already shown the aggressiveness to make the team as good as possible.

Mike Montgomery was acquired by the Cubs from the Seattle Mariners to shore up their bullpen, as Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports originally reported. That deal was a big step in the right direction, and the Cubs took a step forward. Epstein made it clear after the deal that he was not done dealing, saying that he kept prospects that could be traded in a bigger deal.

Theo Epstein didn't lose any top #Cubs prospects: "We haven't touched the prospects that we're potentially going to move in bigger deals."

— Sammy P (@spshoot) July 20, 2016

As previously reported by the Inquisitr, the Cubs could be looking at a deal for Milwaukee Brewers’ star outfielder Ryan Braun. That rumor hasn’t been received all that well from Cubs fans, but at the end of the day, Epstein will make the deal that he feels best regardless of whether the fans like it.

Zach Petersel of Forbes opined that the Cubs could target Cincinnati Reds’ outfielder Jay Bruce at the trade deadline. Bruce would be a much better option for the Cubs than the aging Braun. He would give the Cubs more power in their lineup, and they wouldn’t be tied in long-term with his contract.

Chicago has a lot of talented, young outfielders on their roster. Looking ahead to next season, they should have an outfield of Jason Heyward, Albert Almora Jr., and Kyle Schwarber. Dexter Fowler may end up being re-signed again, but there is no guarantee that will happen.

Bruce wouldn’t have much of a spot on the roster at that point in time, which is why the option that he has on his contract could intrigue the Cubs at the deadline. They could also pick the option up and then deal him for value.

Throughout the 2016 MLB season thus far with the Reds, Bruce has recorded a .269 batting average to go along with 21 home runs and 73 RBIs. Adding those numbers to the Cubs’ already potent lineup would be an absolute nightmare for opposing pitchers. Bruce has been a consistent power bat for the Reds throughout his career in Cincinnati, and there is always the chance that he could become a long-term piece for the Cubs if they acquired him

While the Cubs could stick with their young talent, they could also move one of their outfielders and keep Bruce. Bruce is just 29-years-old and could fit into the Cubs’ future plans if they chose to do so.

Epstein has so many options to work with. He could swing some top prospects to the New York Yankees for star reliever Aroldis Chapman. He could acquire Josh Reddick from the Oakland Athletics to add more depth in the outfield. There is also the chance that Bruce could be the target.

Expect to hear more rumors about the Cubs in the next few days as the deadline rumors heat up. Bruce would make a lot of sense for the Cubs and would boost their chances to break the curse and win their first World Series since 1908. It sounds like the Cubs are going all-in this season, and Bruce would fit that pattern.

Do you think the Chicago Cubs should pursue a trade with the Cincinnati Reds for outfielder Jay Bruce? Would Bruce be a half-season rental, or would the Cubs keep him long-term? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!

[Photo by Aaron Doster/AP Images]