Bruce wants to remain 'a Red for life' despite trade rumors

The Cincinnati Reds are the only organization Jay Bruce has known over his seven-year career in the majors. The outfielder is hoping to keep it that way. 

Bruce's agent, Matt Sosnick, told Adam McCalvy of MLB.com that his client wishes to "remain a Red for life" after Bruce's name had been reported as one the Reds were shopping. 

Selected 12th overall in the 2005 draft by Cincinnati, Bruce is under contract for the next two seasons at $24.5 million with a team option for 2017. Despite his desire to continue his career in the Queen City, Bruce previously rejected a pair of extension offers from the Reds. 

"It is true that the Reds made Jay two offers during the season,'' Sosnick said. "The fact the deal didn't get done had nothing to do with Jay's desire to remain a Red for life, which is still the case. It was more about his desire to make sure that contract talks didn't become a distraction during the season. But Jay still greatly appreciated the offers.''

After posting three straight campaigns with at least 30 home runs, Bruce struggled mightily last season. In 137 games, the 27-year-old slashed .217/.281/.373 with a career-low 18 home runs and 66 RBIs. 

The San Diego Padres were identified as one of the teams that contacted the Reds regarding Bruce.