Marlins Are On Jay Bruce’s No Trade Clause

In the latest rumors, Jay Bruce has been one of the names mentioned in “available” players in trade discussions with the Cincinnati Reds. While the Reds still seem to be undecided in their direction at this point, Bruce is a trade chip that would be very valuable. The left handed hitting right fielder (who could also play first base), had a below average year in 2014. He hit .217 with 18 HR and 66 RBI in 137 games. However, he did hit 30 plus HR every year from 2010-2013.

The Reds nevertheless can’t trade him wherever they want. Bruce has a partial no trade-clause that blocks trades to eight different teams. The Athletics, Blue Jays, Diamondbacks, Rays, Red Sox, Twins, Yankees, and Marlins, are the teams that Bruce can block trades to. The list of teams is interesting due to the mix of low and high market teams. This is the second time this off-season we hear of a player that can block a trade to Miami. Howie Kendrick was a name mentioned that the Marlins were interested in pursuing. However, the Marlins were one of the teams on his no-trade clause.

As for Jay Bruce, the only reason the Marlins would go for him would be to play first base. Giancarlo Stanton, Marcell Ozuna, and recent Gold Glove winner Christian Yelich are expected to man the outfield for at least the next couple years. The free agent market at the first base position is extremely limited after Adam LaRoche signed with the Chicago White Sox. The best chance to upgrade at first base is through a trade. Yelich was an option to be moved to first base, but after winning his first gold glove it would make little to no sense for Miami to internally discuss it. As a trade for Bruce would be regarded as doubtful, he can still block a trade to come to South Florida.

Next: Marlins Free Agent Targets: Justin Masterson