Fansided

10 trades contenders should make prior to MLB Trade Deadline

By Dan Schmelzer

May 15, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) celebrates his solo home run in the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Colorado Rockies right fielder Carlos Gonzalez (5) celebrates his solo home run in the seventh inning against the New York Mets at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Josh Reddick
May 13, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Oakland Athletics right fielder Josh Reddick (22) singles during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Chicago Cubs Trade for Oakland A’s Outfielder Josh Reddick and Starting Pitcher Rich Hill

The Chicago Cubs have hit a bit of a slide in the past couple of weeks, but they still hold the best record in baseball, and are not going away anytime soon. This is a deep and talented team that is clearly going to contend this season.

The Cubs do not have many weaknesses, but they will certainly look to add at the MLB Trade Deadline. Theo Epstein and company have made a lot of deals with Billy Beane and the Oakland Athletics in recent years, and I think the two teams make a lot of sense to deal again this year.

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Outfielder Josh Reddick is a former Epstein player whose on-base skills and high-level defense makes him a great fit for this team. Reddick is currently on the DL with a thumb injury, but it is not expected to be serious, and he should be back soon.

The A’s singed left-handed starting pitcher Rich Hill to a one-year free agent contract this off season, and Hill has come in and dominated for Oakland. The 36-year-old southpaw who began his career with the Cubs has been magnificent this season, posting a 2.54 ERA through nine starts. His 2.91 FIP also suggests that Hill’s results are for real.

With Kyle Schwarber out for the year, and Jorge Soler struggling to prove himself at the plate, the Cubs could use a solid veteran to add to the mix in the outfield. They have been getting by just fine so far, but Reddick is a strong and stable player who would undoubtedly help the Cubs reach the ultimate goal. Also, with him hitting free agency next season, left field will open right back up for a returning Schwarber.

The Cubs do not necessarily need a starting pitcher right now, but you can never have too much depth. At the time a deal like this would be made, I would expect that one of Jason Hammel or Kyle Hendricks could be pitching poor enough to be replaced. As good as Hill has been, he would be an elite-level number three to place behind Jake Arrieta and John Lester.

The Cubs have a chance to make history this season. This team is so good that they do not need to mortgage their future at the deadline, but picking up a couple of strong rental options would be a smart move.

Oakland and Chicago have done a lot of business in recent years, and with Hill and Reddick being obvious targets for the Cubs, I could easily see it happening again.

Next: 5. Seattle Mariners

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