Jay Bruce

Why the 3-way deal involving Jay Bruce to the Blue Jays could collapse

Published Feb. 23, 2016 8:10 a.m. ET

Chris Bahr

The proposed three-way trade that would send right fielder Jay Bruce from the Reds to the Blue Jays is on hold, and it could fall apart.

In the deal, outfielder Michael Saunders also would go from the Blue Jays to the Angels, with the Reds getting at least one prospect.

After seemingly gaining a lot of momentum Monday night, the talks apparently fizzled because of medical concerns with at least one of the players involved. FOX Sports MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal reports the issue appears to be with a Blue Jays minor leaguer.

Following Tuesday's spring training workouts in Goodyear, Arizona, Bruce had little news to share.

"Awkward is not the word," Bruce told reporters, according to The Associated Press. "I'm reading the same stuff you are reading. It's obvious what's going on. They're trying to get something done. I really don't have answers."

With the Reds in rebuilding mode -- Aroldis Chapman and Todd Frazier were the latest veterans to get dealt by Cincinnati this offseason -- Bruce has been mentioned in trade rumors since last summer. And he certainly still could be moved, if not in a reworked version of this three-way trade then in another deal.

The 28-year-old Bruce is the marquee player in the proposed swap, having hit at least 25 homers in five of the past six seasons. However, his batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage all have suffered the past two seasons.

The Angels need outfield help but avoided the expensive options available in free agency; Saunders, who will make $2.9 million this season, would provide a budget-friendly option. However, he played in only nine games last season because of a knee injury. Barring a trade, Saunders is projected to start in left field for Toronto.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Source: Medical concerns in Bruce deal involved #BlueJays minor leaguer, not Saunders. Player presumably was going to CIN. Trade off for now
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 23, 2016

Hearing same as @JeffPassan and @Buster_ESPN: Bruce trade held up due to medical concerns with at least one of players involved.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 23, 2016