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Royals Rumors: Jay Bruce May Be Trade Target

By Joel Wagler

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A new Kansas City Royals rumors has the team showing interest in right fielder Jay Bruce of the Cincinnati Reds.

It is no secret the KC Royals could use a little boost in their outfield. Could Jay Bruce be the answer? Royals rumors indicate maybe.

Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star tweeted tody that the Royals may be interested in Bruce, and that the Reds might be scouting Kansas City prospects.  MLB Trade Rumors also picked up this tweet.

With Alex Gordon out until at least September, and Alex Rios not providing as much offense as hoped, Jay Bruce is an intriguing possibility.

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Rios, who is hitting .249 with just two home runs and 14 Runs Batted In going into Monday, has been a disappointment. He has showing signs of life, but still isn’t providing much pop. Over his last 16 games, Rios is hitting .322, but only one home run and three RBI, though he does have three doubles in this time frame.

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Bruce is a legitimate home run hitter. Though just 28 years old, he is in his eighth Major League season. Last year was the only year he has hit less than 21 home runs.

In fact, his 14 dingers this season are only four less than he hit all of 2014. Bruce has hit 30 or more homers in three seasons.

He also won’t put up much of an average, hitting just .252 this year, and .251 for his career. He will however, take a walk, as he has 42 this season.

The KC Royals have been making do with Jarrod Dyson, a career fourth outfielder, and Paulo Orlando, a rookie who produced when called upon, but is several months older than Bruce.

Bruce is an inconsistent defender, throwing up excellent marks in Ultimate Zone Rating of 9.2, 19.6, and 10.2 in his career in right field. He also has marks of -5.0, -4.7, -6.1, according to Fangraphs.

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Rios was a pretty good fielder in his younger day, posting a UZR of 6.1 or better in each of his first five seasons when playing in right. In his last five, he has not been higher than 3.8.

Jay Bruce could offer a bigger bat in Royals’ lineup than Rios, Dyson, and Orlando, but is certainly a lesser defender than the latter two, and probably not much worse than Rios.

At just 28, in the prime of his career, Bruce would be an affordable option for the Royals. He is owed approximately $5 million more this season, $12.5 million next season, and has a team option for $13 million in 2017 with a $1 million buyout.

Not only would he be able to help the offense this season but could offer a nice power source from the left side for the next few years.

While the Royals might be considering Reds pitchers Johnny Cueto or Mike Leake to bolster the rotation, especially if they would make the playoffs. The Royals rotation has some depth right now, even if they have no ace, so the offense may need the boost even more.

Jay Bruce could be a very impactful acquisition for the KC Royals, with an affordable price tag as well. He may make more sense for the Royals than adding an arm.

Stayed tuned for more Kansas City Royals rumors has they surface.

Next: Realistic Trade Targets for the Royals

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