Slated to become a free agent this upcoming winter, Oakland Athletics outfielder Josh Reddick will likely find himself on another team between now and the August 1st trade deadline.
As the longest-tenured member of the A’s, it’s not going to be easy for the team’s brass to move him. But picking up something of substance in a trade is better than the alternative of seeing him walk for nothing in free agency.
Despite some recent decent play on the diamond, Oakland finds itself out of contention in the American League West and will likely be sellers between now and the deadline.
One team that’s reportedly interested in picking up the many valuable assets Oakland possesses is the National League Central-leading Chicago Cubs, who have a need in the outfield.
Sources: #Cubs are looking at Josh Reddick. Bat coming around after missing nearly 6 weeks with fractured thumb. Theo drafted him in Boston.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 21, 2016
Reddick, 29, was having himself a solid season prior to fracturing a thumb back in May. He’s posted a .301 average with six homers, 23 RBI and a .380 on-base percentage in 59 games this season.
This comes a year after the always solid defender hit 20 homers in a rebound 2015 campaign.
It’s not a secret that Chicago has been searching for upgrades throughout its roster in the lead up to the trade deadline. In fact, the team acquired reliever Mike Montgomery from the Seattle Mariners earlier in the week (more on that here).
Reddick, a left-handed batter, would make perfect sense as a rental for the Cubs. He’s hitting .348 with a .424 on-base percentage against right-handed pitchers on the season. Chicago could definitely use this type of production from that side of the plate.