GOODYEAR, Ariz., Feb. 22 (UPI) -- A "review of medicals" stands in the way of a three-team trade that would result in new uniforms for Cincinnati Reds' Jay Bruce and Toronto Blue Jays' Michael Saunders, according to reports.
"Source: Teams reviewing medicals in Bruce/Saunders trade," FOX MLB reporter Ken Rosenthal tweeted. "If completed, Bruce to #BlueJays, Saunders to #Angels, prospect(s) to #Reds."
Jon Heyman, of MLB Network, tweeted that the deal was "on table" Monday night. The Reds would get prospects in exchange for the right fielder.
The Blue Jays are not on Bruce's eight-team no-trade list. Bruce spoke about the awkwardness surrounding trade talks with C. Trent Rosecrans, of the Cincinnati Enquirer.
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"No, not at all — if it were somewhere else, it'd be awkward right now," Bruce told Rosecrans. "This is what I know, this organization has been much more to me than just a baseball team. I've been here since I was 18 years old, and this is all I know. I look forward to still being here and if something does happen, I completely understand. It's part of the business. I mentioned before, obviously, I truly believe the Reds have to do everything they can to improve the organization and if they end up feeling that making a move with me is part of that plan, I respect them for that."
deal on table has bruce to #jays, michael saunders to #angels, prospects to #reds
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 23, 2016
Bruce, 28, is a two-time All-Star, signed through 2016. He is due $12.5 million in 2016 and has a $13 million club option in 2017, with a $1 million buyout. He has 208 career home runs and is a career .248 hitter.
Source: Teams reviewing medicals in Bruce/Saunders trade. If completed, Bruce to #BlueJays, Saunders to #Angels, prospect(s) to #Reds.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 23, 2016
Saunders, 29, signed a one-year, $2.9 million deal in January with the Blue Jays. He hit 19 home runs and had 21 stolen bases with the Seattle Mariners in 2012. In 2015, Saunders hit .194 in 36 plate appearances.
I checked in with Jay Bruce, who said he has not been told anything about a trade. #reds
— Mark Sheldon (@m_sheldon) February 23, 2016
Bruce can block trades to the Arizona Diamondbacks, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Indians, Miami Marlins, Minnesota Twins, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, and Tampa Bay Rays.
Jay Bruce can block trades to 8 clubs: ARI, BOS, CLE, FLA, MIN, NYY, OAK and TB. That's his updated list.
— Jerry Crasnick (@jcrasnick) February 23, 2016
