Deadline buzz: Reds’ veterans draw interest

Many potential deals are in the works as the non-waiver Trade Deadline — Monday at 4 p.m. ET — approaches. Here is a look at the latest news, reports and rumors.

Mets, Mariners in contact with Reds The Mets are one of the teams expressing interest in Reds outfielder Jay Bruce, according to a report from ESPN’s Buster Olney on Friday.

The Mets are looking for offense, according to Olney, and acquiring Bruce before Monday’s Deadline would also provide some security for their outfield in 2017, in case Yoenis Cespedes opts out of his contract after this season.

At last year’s Trade Deadline, New York offered right-hander Zack Wheeler for Bruce, but Cincinnati asked for more.

Along with the Mets, the Mariners are also in on Bruce, ESPN’s Jayson Stark reported on Friday. Seattle has also inquired about Reds shortstop Zack Cozart. Cozart is not a perfect fit for the Mariners, according to Stark, since shortstop Ketel Marte could return sooner than expected from his bout with mononucleosis.

The 29-year-old Bruce, an All-Star this season, was hitting .271 with 25 home runs and an NL-leading 79 RBIs entering play Friday. Cozart, 30, entered the day batting .266 with 15 homers and 41 RBIs.

Rangers aggressively pursuing Sale The Rangers remain the most aggressive team in hoping to pry Chris Sale from the White Sox, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.

The Sox asking price remains steep; many people assume the White Sox could seek as many as five players in return for Sale, who is under club control through 2019 at a very reasonable rate ($12 million in 2017, plus a $12.5-million team option in 2018 and a $13.5 team option in 2019).

Sale is a five-time All-Star who started this year’s game for the American League.

The Sox reportedly want third baseman/outfielder Joey Gallo and outfielder Nomar Mazara from the Rangers, according to Nightengale. That, of course, would only be the start for a deal involving the lefty.

Nats looking at bullpen help The Nationals’ search for a reliever has taken them to Kansas City. Pittsburgh and — once again — New York.

Washington is engaged in talks regarding Pirates right-hander Mark Melancon and Royals righty Wade Davis, according to MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal. Multiple teams are pursuing Davis, Rosenthal reports.

The Nationals also are interested in Yankees left-hander Andrew Miller after missing out on Aroldis Chapman. Sources who have spoken with the team tell MLB.com’s Jon Morosi that they could be willing to trade top prospect …

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