Oakland Athletics Should Trade Josh Reddick During Offseason
The Oakland Athletics completed some major transactions leading up the July 31 trade deadline. However, one trade that did not happen was moving Gold Glove outfielder Josh Reddick. Throughout July, there was speculation that the Athletics were going to trade Reddick and it was reported that numerous teams including the New York Mets and Los Angeles Angels inquired about him. But, the trade deadline came and went, and Reddick remained on the A’s roster.
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Despite surviving the 2015 trade deadline, Oakland should consider trading Reddick this offseason for multiple reasons. First and foremost, Reddick will be a free agent in 2017. If Oakland is really looking toward the future and has a desire stock their farm system and MLB roster with young players, a trade involving Reddick will probably get the Athletics the most bang for their buck. The rumors revolving around Reddick leading up the trade deadline this year just goes to show that he is a desired player and teams may be willing to give up some of their minor league prospects for this veteran outfielder.
Secondly, Reddick is injury prone. This may bring down his trade value, but the A’s cannot risk another season like 2013 and 2014. Reddick was plagued with injuries in those past two years, which brought down his production at the plate. Reddick has stayed relatively healthy for the majority of this season and has been performing well, so the 2015 offseason would be the opportune time to trade him.
Lastly, the Athletics have numerous outfielders who can replace Reddick once he is traded. The Athletics have Sam Fuld, Billy Burns, Mark Canha, Jake Smolinski, Craig Gentry, who has been in Triple-A for the majority of this season, possibly Coco Crisp – although he would not play right field – and now also Danny Valencia. Out of all of these players, the A’s would get the most in return for Reddick and would still have some quality players to take his spot in the field.
On a side note, GM Billy Beane may have a stronger desire to move Reddick after his recent outbursts on social media. Reddick has been especially vocal on twitter and has criticized the Josh Donaldson trade as well as the front office’s presumed decision to only put him in the lineup against right handed pitchers. It was rumored that Beane traded Donaldson because of a disagreement and Reddick could go for the same reason.
Nonetheless, it makes sense for the Oakland Athletics to trade Reddick during this offseason. Reddick is one of a few players left that the A’s could trade in order to gain some valuable prospects. It would undoubtedly be a shame to lose his bat at the plate and Gold Glove skills in right, but Oakland has a lot of young, qualified players who could fill Reddick’s spot.
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