Josh Reddick: Three Trade Destinations For the Oakland Athletics’ Right-Fielder

Jul 11, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis (22) turns a double play over Oakland Athletics right fielder Josh Reddick (22) in the fourth inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Indians

The Indians desperately need some power in their lineup, and Josh Reddick would be able to provide that. Between the aging Michael Bourn in center field, and a platoon of Ryan Raburn and David Murphy in right field, Cleveland’s outfield could use an impact bat. They inquired about Carlos Gomez of the Brewers, but as Gomez is likely out of their price range, they might settle for reuniting Reddick with former teammate Brandon Moss.

The Return: The A’s should target the Tribe’s 10th-overall prospect, Erik Gonzalez. Gonzalez is a 23-year-old shortstop, with a killer arm and excellent defensive instincts, but no path to the majors. Top prospects Francisco Lindor and Giovanny Urshela are blocking the left side of the infield, and second baseman Jason Kipnis recently signed a long-term deal. Gonzalez is more glove than bat, but he’s hitting .275/.300/.413 this season, splitting time between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus. He’s also swiped 11 bags, and he had hit six home runs before being called up to Columbus.

After trading away Addison Russell, the A’s need an infielder with defensive prowess, and Gonzalez could be that player. Gonzalez has played every position, outside of pitching and catching, and could easily become a valuable everyday player for the A’s. Because the Tribe doesn’t have a position available for him with the major league club, they would be willing to part with Gonzalez.

Gonzalez alone isn’t worth a year and a half of Reddick, so the Indians would have to throw in another pitcher. One option might be Ryan Merritt, a soft-tossing lefty with excellent control. He doesn’t have the raw talent that many big league pitchers have, but he’s more than capable of getting outs, using finesse instead of power. Merritt is 8-7 with a 3.75 ERA in 19 starts at Double-A Akron this season, including a pair of complete games. He’s only struck out 75 in 120 innings, but he’s also only walked 14.

Merritt is ranked 20th in the Indians’ system, and would pair nicely with Gonzalez in a trade.

The Flaw in the Plan: The Indians have a lefty-heavy lineup, and they might be seeking a right-handed bat to even things out. Fans have clamored for right-handed power for years, but it’s left-handed power hitters like Reddick who can take advantage of the short wall in right field, as opposed to trying to hit a home run into the towering left-field bleachers. There are rumors that David Murphy, who fills a similar role for the Tribe, is available, but that might not matter – Reddick would allow them to rearrange the outfield to compensate for the struggling Bourn.

The Indians also recently went on a five-game losing streak that dropped them into last place, which may have pushed them past the point of contention. However, unlike the A’s, the Tribe is in win-now mode, with four excellent young starters and a handful of young position players. A few solid additions to their lineup could put them back into the race, if only for a Wild Card spot.

Next: Reddick Destinations: New York Mets