Major League Baseball

Bruce reaches extension with Cincinnati

Published Dec. 9, 2010 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Outfielder Jay Bruce and the Cincinnati Reds have agreed to a six-year, $51 million contract extension, a major league source confirmed to FOXSports.com.

Bruce, 23, wasn't scheduled to become a free agent until after the 2014 season. The contract includes a club option worth $13 million in 2017.

The left-handed hitter is coming off the best season of his young career, batting .281 with 25 home runs and 70 RBI for the division champion Reds.

Bruce's agreement was first reported by ESPN.com.

The Reds may also pursue a long-term agreement with franchise first baseman Joey Votto, who is older and has more major league service time than Bruce.