During a recent interview, Los Angeles Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said the front office would target ‘elite-level players’ at the trade deadline. Their focus reportedly is on acquiring a starting pitcher, reliever, and/or a bat, with trading for a young starter said to be the top priority.
The Dodgers’ bullpen has been much improved over the past few weeks after a rough stretch earlier this season. The rotation continues to be an issue as the revolving door from last season has been put into play in 2016.
Meanwhile, the offense showed some signs of life, led by a resurgence from Howie Kendrick and Justin Turner, but largely remains inconsistent as a whole.
At this point, the Dodgers can still hold out on internal reinforcements arriving in the form of Andre Ethier, Brandon McCarthy and Hyun-Jin Ryu. However, how dependable any of the three will be upon returning is a question mark.
With some of that in mind, particularly with Ethier, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports the Dodgers are considering a trade for Cincinnati Reds outfielder Jay Bruce:
Sources: #Reds’ Bruce a consideration for #Dodgers. Ethier’s return uncertain; Pederson only LHH OFer. Bruce cannot block trade to LAD.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) June 26, 2016
Bruce is batting .280/.329/.575 with 17 doubles, six triples, 16 home runs, 57 RBIs, a .374 wOBA and 133 wRC+ over 69 games this season. While he would give the Dodgers a left-handed bat that the roster currently lacks, Bruce presumably would take away playing time from Yasiel Puig in right field.
Although Bruce may be a more consistent hitter than Puig at this point in time, he pales in comparison defensively. The 29-year-old Bruce was nearly dealt to the Toronto Blue Jays as part of a three-team trade that involved the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
It was reported the San Francisco Giants contacted the Reds to inquire on Bruce in recent days, though it isn’t believed talks grew serious. Bruce is a career .250/.320/.469 batter in nine seasons with the Reds.
