Oakland Athletics right fielder Josh Reddick is playing under a one-year, $6.6 million contract, per Spotrac.
With Major League Baseball’s Aug. 1 trade deadline approaching, Reddick could be dealt within the next three weeks if he and the Athletics don’t improve their contract negotiations.
Continue for updates.
Likelihood of Trading Reddick Increasing
Sunday, July 10
According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, Oakland and Reddick haven’t picked up contract talks since spring training: “The outfielder was offered a three-year, $36 million deal during the spring, sources confirmed, and Reddick’s representatives countered with four years and $56 million, which is considered below Reddick’s market value by at least $5 million to $10 million.”
The 29-year-old outfielder is on pace for a career-high batting average, as he’s recorded a .296 mark through 52 games. However, his power numbers have dipped, with just five home runs, compared to 20 last season.
Reddick has seen a vast decrease in power since a monster 2012 season in which he launched a career-best 32 home runs. In the following two seasons, he hit a combined 24.
This season has come with an unexpected break, though, after he suffered a fractured thumb May 19. He landed on the disabled list the following day and did not return until June 28.
Still, the dip in power and injury concerns haven’t impacted his value much. Per Slusser, some believe that Reddick could receive a $100 million deal thanks to the lack of outfield talent that is projected to hit the free-agent market during the winter:
He has plenty of interest, too. According to Slusser, the Kansas City Royals are “closely” following him, while the San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays and Washington Nationals are also believed to be keeping an eye on him.
With that kind of attention, the Athletics should be able to find a trade partner, but it’s imperative that they get the right pieces. Oakland was 38-50 entering Sunday and already 15.5 games out of first place in the American League West.
One possible problem to address is pitching, as the Athletics staff ranks as the fifth-worst in the majors with a 4.77 ERA.
Putting a player like Reddick on the trade block could yield a solid return that should help Oakland start rebuilding its roster.
Stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com.
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