Jay Bruce interested in long-term extension with Reds

Right fielder Jay Bruce is interested in becoming a member of the Cincinnati Reds for his entire playing career, his agent told Mark Sheldon of MLB.com:

"[Bruce] made it clear that he wants to be a Red his entire career," Bruce's agent, Matt Sosnick, said. "[Joey] Votto is in his wedding in a couple of weeks and he wants to play with him. He has a lot of friends there. He and his fiancee are very comfortable in Cincinnati. Jay asked me to approach the team and see if something is there. We'll see if the team has any interest."

The timing of Bruce’s request may seem a bit odd, as he avoided arbitration in Dec. of 2010 by inking a six-year extension with the Reds. His current contract is worth $51 million, and he will earn $7.5 million, $10 million, $12 million and $12.5 million over the next four seasons. The deal also includes a $13 million club option for 2017.

Beyond their first agreement with Bruce, the Reds have handed out several long-term deals recently. In April the team locked up first baseman Joey Votto for 10 years and soon after second baseman Brandon Phillips for six.

Last season for the Reds Bruce hit .252/.327/.514 with 35 doubles, five triples, 34 home runs and nine stolen bases in 12 attempts. It marked the 25-year-old’s best season for the Reds, as he’s now hit .255/.330/.483 over five years with the club.