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The Baltimore Orioles are coming off a fairly disappointing 2015 season, and with multiple players possibly gone in free agency their 2016 roster is likely to look a lot different. In terms of potential trade targets, Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports has reported the Orioles have had discussions with the Cincinnati Reds about outfielder Jay Bruce.
#Orioles have had trade talks with #Reds on Jay Bruce, but there was no momentum toward a deal as of this evening, sources say. @FOXSports
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 21, 2015
Morosi did add that a trade is not imminent, but it makes sense for the Orioles to have interest in a player like Bruce. If Chris Davis leaves for a big contract with another team Baltimore would need a power hitter in a major way, and even if Davis sticks around their corner outfield situation could use an upgrade.
Bruce is entering his ninth major league season, but he is still just 28 years old (29 on April 3, 2016). Acquiring Bruce will not require a big long-term commitment, since he is due to make $12.5 million in 2016 with a $13 million club option ($1 million buyout) for 2017. So the Orioles should have plenty of competition for interest in Bruce, assuming the Reds remain willing to move him as part of a rebuild.
Bruce is an above average defensive outfielder (+5 Defensive Runs Saved in 2015) with a good arm (11 assists in 2015, second among National League right fielders). Add unexpected contributions as a base stealer (nine stolen bases in 2015) to the requisite power Bruce offers (.214 career Isolated Power), and you have a well-rounded, valuable player that may be tailor-made for Camden Yards as a hitter.
The Orioles’ offseason plan basically centers around Davis’ decision at this point, but they may not want to get into a bidding war with multiple other teams reportedly interested in him. Bruce is a solid alternative, and a less costly one as well, which would allow general manager Dan Duquette to aggressively address Baltimore’s other needs this winter.
Brad Berreman is a Senior Writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter.
