MLB trade rumors: Phillies deal for Jay Bruce 'nearing completion'

Thomas Lott

MLB trade rumors: Phillies deal for Jay Bruce 'nearing completion' image

The Phillies are in need of a bench bat, and the Mariners appear to be willing to help them out.

Philadelphia is in discussions with Seattle on a trade for outfielder Jay Bruce, according to ESPN. The deal is now nearing completion, according to The Athletic.

The Mariners will reportedly receive cash and a minor league player in return.

Bruce has a no-trade clause, which could complicate things, but according to The Athletic, the former first-round pick of the Reds would be willing to waive it for Philadelphia.

Seattle was a pleasant surprise to start the season, finishing April with an 18-14 record, but a rough May has the team on the brink of full breakdown mode as the Mariners now sit at 10 games under .500 at 25-35.

According to MLB.com, a rival said the Mariners are trying to sell everyone, including Ryon Healy, Edwin Encarnacion, Mike Leake, Dee Gordon and Tim Beckham.

This is also a good indication of how the year will go without trades being permitted after the July 31 deadline. Many front office executives expect deals to get done much earlier before the deadline this year as there is an expectation that many teams won't wait until the final moments to get a deal done.

Thomas Lott