Report: Blue Jays still interested in Jay Bruce

Jay Bruce almost became a member of the Toronto Blue Jays in February. He could still find his way north of the border yet.

The Blue Jays are reportedly still interested in the Cincinnati Reds outfielder if they decide to add another left-handed bat, according to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports.

Bruce was nearly sent to Toronto before spring training as part of a three-way trade that would have seen Michael Saunders end up with the Angels. Toronto is more than happy with how that proposed trade has turned out, though, as Saunders has gone on to become an All-Star with a remarkable first half as the lone left-handed bat in the team's lineup.

Bruce would add yet another slugger to an already potent Blue Jays lineup that, save for Saunders, is predominantly right-handed. The two-time All-Star is hitting .268/.317/.546 with 18 homers this year, sitting among the NL leaders in several offensive categories. He has a $1-million option on his contract for 2017.

The Dodgers and Indians have also been connected to Bruce, who said recently he would be willing to waive his no-trade clause to join a contender. Another potential landing spot per Heyman might be the Nationals, where he'd be reunited with his former manager, Dusty Baker.

Bruce can block trades to eight teams, including the Yankees, Red Sox, and Indians.