Reds lock up Bruce with 6-year, $51M extension

Outfielder Jay Bruce and the Cincinnati Reds have reached agreement on a six-year, $51 million extension that includes a $13 million option for 2017, according to sources.

Bruce, who hit .281 with 25 home runs and 70 RBIs last season, gets a deal very similar to the one signed by Justin Upton of the Arizona Diamondbacks in March. Bruce, 23, was eligible for arbitration as a "Super Two" player but instead will be locked up through his arbitration years, plus at least two years of free agency.

The extension was first reported by ESPN.com.

Last week the Reds signed pitcher Bronson Arroyo to a three-year, $35 million contract extension, and the team also hopes to work out a long-term deal with NL MVP Joey Votto.