Report: Blue Jays trying to get Bruce in 3-team trade

The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly engaged in negotiations to acquire outfielder Jay Bruce as part of a three-team trade involving the Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Angels.

The proposed deal, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network, would include the Blue Jays sending oft-injured outfielder Michael Saunders to the Angels, and the Reds receiving prospects to complete their return for Bruce. Multiple reports said that Bruce, who turns 29 in April, removed the Blue Jays from his eight-team no-trade list earlier this winter.

According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the teams are currently reviewing medical records for the players involved.

A two-time All-Star, Bruce hit .257/.332/.488 with 96 home runs in 472 games from 2011-13, but has struggled to find consistency since, posting a below league average OPS+ for two straight seasons, and managing the fewest homers of his career in 2014.

He reclaimed some of that lost power last season, when he rebounded to hit 26 homers and 35 doubles in 157 games. He's owed $12.5 million next season, and carries a 2017 team option valued at $13 million.

Saunders appeared in just nine games last season after slipping on a sprinkler head during spring training and tearing the meniscus in his left knee. The 29-year-old outfielder had been expected to compete for a starting job this spring with the Blue Jays.

Heyman's report follows comments made Monday by Jose Bautista, who said he's not willing to discuss an extension with the Blue Jays unless they meet the contract demands he set forth earlier this month.