Why the 3-way deal involving Jay Bruce to the Blue Jays could collapse

The proposed three-way trade that would send right fielder Jay Bruce from the Reds to the Blue Jays is on hold, and it could fall apart.

In the deal, outfielder Michael Saunders also would go from the Blue Jays to the Angels, with the Reds getting at least one prospect.

After seemingly gaining a lot of momentum Monday night, the talks apparently fizzled because of medical concerns with at least one of the players involved. It isn't clear which player was red-flagged.

With the Reds in rebuilding mode --€“ Aroldis Chapman and Todd Frazier were the latest veterans to get dealt by Cincinnati this offseason -- Bruce has been mentioned in trade rumors since last summer. And he certainly still could be moved, if not in a reworked version of this three-way trade then in another deal.

The 28-year-old Bruce is the marquee player in the proposed swap, having hit at least 25 homers in five of the past six seasons. However, his batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage all have suffered the past two seasons.

The Angels need outfield help but avoided the expensive options available in free agency; Saunders, who will make $2.9 million this season, would provide a budget-friendly option. However, he played in only nine games last season because of a knee injury. Barring a trade, Saunders is projected to start in left field for Toronto.