Oakland Athletics Rumors: Josh Reddick Could Be Traded To Los Angeles Angels
On Monday, it was reported via twitter that the Los Angeles Angels were trying to make a deal with the Oakland Athletics in order to acquire Josh Reddick. However, when Jerry Dipoto resigned from his position as GM of the Angels, the potential deal fell through. In light of Reddick’s recent negative remarks regarding the Athletics’ management, this rumor seems to have come at an interesting time.
Last week, Reddick complained on 95.7 The Game‘s pre-game radio show that the A’s front office, specifically Billy Beane, was keeping him out of the lineup against left handed pitchers. In recent days, Reddick has apologized for his remarks. However, he has only directly apologized to Bob Melvin for essentially throwing his manager under the bus. His apology did not extend to the front office or to Beane.
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It is speculated that Beane may see these comments as disrespectful, which might make him more willing to trade Reddick just like how it was rumored that the decision to trade Josh Donaldson was made easier due to Donaldson’s disagreement with Beane in 2014. With Los Angeles in search of a left handed batting outfielder, Reddick would be the perfect fit. But what could the Athletics get in return?
If Oakland is looking to add to its farm system, the Angels could provide them with some top prospects. For example, perhaps the A’s could get second baseman/shortstop Roberto Baldoquin in return for Reddick. This would be a good pick up for the Athletics since they will most likely lose Ben Zobrist either at the trade deadline or after this season and Baldoquin is predicted to make his major league debut next year.
Additionally, the Angels have a veteran middle infielder who could possibly be moved. Erick Aybar is the Angels’ starting shortstop and could be quite useful in the Athletics’ infield. He is also under contract for two more years. Thus, if the A’s thought they could make a push for the postseason in 2016 instead of this year, his veteran skills would help Oakland immensely if Marcus Semien is not able to improve his defense.
However, it is unclear as to if Oakland would even be willing to make an inter-division trade. With the Athletics still 10.5 games behind the AL West leading Houston Astros, the possibility may become more real if the Athletics believe they will not be able to make the postseason this year. Since they Angels are in desperate need of a lefty outfielder and in the hunt to win the American League West division, Reddick will stay on their radar until some type of deal is made – whether it be with the Athletics or with another team.