Why the Oakland Athletics Should Lock Up Josh Reddick

Reddick’s Production at the Plate

May 30, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder Josh Reddick (22) hits a RBI-single to score shortstop Marcus Semien (10, not pictured) against the New York Yankees during the third inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

In 2012, Reddick was inserted into an Athletics lineup surrounded by uncertainty — with Eric Sogard manning the hot-corner, Cliff Pennington at shortstop, Coco Crisp, a reclamation project in center field, and rookie Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes, who hoping to make his mark in the States.

There was no question at this moment in time that former general manager Billy Beane had his eyes set on the future (like we haven’t heard that one before). By mid-July, Beane’s assumptions about Oakland seemed correct; however, Reddick was ultimately becoming a force to reckon with in the clean-up spot, posting a slash line of .242/.305/.463/.768 with 85 RBI and 32 round-trippers in 156 games.

As demonstrated in the video clip above, Reddick wasn’t afraid to go the other way with the ballgame on the line. You can see how patient he is at the plate, and how his hard work and determination translated over the years, and, most importantly, how his presence along with his ability trickled down to the youngsters and season veterans on the squad. The A’s had 15 walk-off victories in 2012 from some unlikely names. Because of it, they managed to turn their season around and win the American League West division, on the final day of the regular season.

Even though the Georgia native’s statistics declined in 2013 and 2014 due to a nagging wrist-injury, the right-fielder came back stronger than ever this season, recording his highest batting average (.272), on-base percentage (.333) and on-base plus slugging percentage (.781) since joining the green and gold in 2012.

Reddick has always been known as a pull-hitter however his new-found hitting approach has proved dividend — by sitting back at the dish and taking the ball to the opposite field. Instead of being “homer happy” at all times, the 28-year-old is simply focused on putting the ball in play and going from there. Since then, his strikeout rate has significantly decreased and his walk-rate was at an all-time high in 2015, with 49 free passes.

In the batter’s box, the right-hander appears to have channeled his “inner 2012 self”, nearly matching those totals in doubles (29 to 25) and hits (148 to 143). Reddick’s patience at the plate has dramatically increased, and he has been more selective on off-speed pitches. He knows when to layoff and, in a matter of seconds, can make any necessary adjustment to get the best of the opposition.

For the first time in his Major League career, Reddick looks and projects like an established slugger. Sitting in his prime years of: 29, 30, 31 and 32, he’s showing no signs of slowing down and will be a continued force to reckoned with at the plate.

Next: Don't Run on Reddick!