Josh Reddick Trade Rumors: Latest News, Speculation on Athletics Outfielder

Oakland Athletics right fielder Josh Reddick is playing under a one-year, $6.6 million contract, per Spotrac, and with Major League Baseball's Aug. 1 trade deadline approaching, Reddick could be dealt if he and the Athletics don't improve their contract negotiations. 

Continue for updates.

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Reddick Comments on Future with Athletics

Thursday, July 21 

When asked about extension talks, Reddick told reporters there had been none he was aware of. He described the lack of talks as "kind of disheartening."

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Cubs Reportedly Interested in Reddick

Thursday, July 21

Jon Morosi of MLB Network reported that the Chicago Cubs "are looking at" Reddick.

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Multiple Teams Interested in Reddick

Sunday, July 10

According to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Kansas City Royals are "closely" following Reddick, while the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals and Cubs are also believed to be keeping an eye on him.

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Reddick Still Has Value Despite Lower Power Numbers

According to Slusser, 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 .301 mark through 59 games. However, his power numbers have dipped, with just six 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:

Player	Age	Average	HR
Colby Rasmus	29	.245	11
Carlos Beltran	39	.297	19
Jose Bautista	35	.230	12
Angel Pagan	35	.288	4
Mark Trumbo	30	.288	28
Carlos Gomez	30	.287	4
Brandon Moss	32	.217	17
Ian Desmond	30	.256	15
Jon Jay	31	.322	2
Josh Reddick	29	.296	5
Alejandro De Aza	32	.181	2
Rajai Davis	35	.266	9
Austin Jackson	29	.254	0
Chris Coghlan	31	.155	5
Gregor Blanco	32	.250	1
Michael Saunders	29	.300	16
Ichiro Suzuki	42	.335	0
Peter Bourjos	29	.278	4
Sam Fuld	34	-	-
Ryan Raburn	35	.231	7
Franklin Gutierrez	33	.241	9
Rickie Weeks	33	.245	5
Nolan Reimold	32	.282	4
Jordan Schafer	29	-	-
Marlon Byrd	38	.270	5
Craig Gentry	32	.147	0
Jeff Francoeur	32	.263	4
Matt Joyce	31	.297	8
Eric Young Jr.	31	-	-
Roger Bernadina	32	-	-
Will Venable	33	.056	0
Shane Robinson	31	.212	1
Don Kelly	36	.143	0
Drew Stubbs	31	.245	2
Michael Bourn	33	.262	2
Skip Schumaker	36	-	-
Travis Snider	28	-	-
Colin Curtis	30	-	-
Chris Dickerson	34	-	-
Trent Oeltjen	33	-	-
Kyle Blanks	29	-	-

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 is 42-53 as of July 21 and 12.5 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 4.70 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.