Reds trade rumors: Mariners interested in Zack Cozart, Jay Bruce

Seattle has inquired about Reds shortstop Zack Cozart, according to ESPN’s Jayson Stark.

Ketel Marte is expected to return from the disabled list sooner than the Mariners had initially expected, so Seattle might not be in a hurry to make a deal. However, Marte is batting .273 over 74 games, and Cozart would add power to Seattle’s lineup.

Cozart, 30, is batting .266/.318/.463 with 15 home runs and 41 RBIs. Since Cozart is under club control for another season, the Mariners will likely set a high asking price.

Bruce is also under club control for another season, and over 95 games this season, he is batting .271/.323/.572 with 25 home runs and 79 RBIs.

The Mariners enter play Friday two games over five-hundred, but Seattle’s approach to the deadline is unclear. The organization doesn’t seem inclined to sell, although it’s unlikely they add much before Monday.

If the Mariners add to their major league roster before the deadline, they will likely seek controllable pieces.