All-Star Bruce won’t be surprised by a trade

When the Trade Deadline arrives on Aug. 1, Jay Bruce may no longer be with the Cincinnati Reds.

Bruce’s name has swirled in trade talks for much of the past year, and rumors have only intensified as he’s hit .263/.314/.530, tacking on 19 home runs and 66 RBIs.

But the Texas native knows the drill. After all, Bruce has had two close calls as of late — nearly being traded to the Mets at last year’s non-waiver Trade Deadline and then being named in a three-way Angels-Reds-Blue Jays deal that wound up disintegrating after other involved players failed physicals.

So he wouldn’t be surprised if his name reappears in trade rumors.

“It definitely will not surprise me if I am [traded]. There are no definites in this game until after a transaction is made,” Bruce said at this year’s All-Star Game. “I will consider myself a Red until I am literally not playing in that jersey anymore. Last year I was traded, and then here I am, an All-Star for the Reds.

“It’s a situation the Reds are in where they have to see if they can better their organization. If they feel that they can, then maybe they will.”

If that happens, Bruce said, he’ll harbor no hard feelings toward the club that gave him …

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