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MLB Trade Rumors: Josh Reddick on Chicago Cubs’ radar

By Dan Schmelzer

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
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 /
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Recent MLB Trade Rumors have connected the Chicago Cubs with Oakland Athletics outfielder Josh Reddick.

The Chicago Cubs made a big deal for dominant closer Aroldis Chapman on Monday, but they may not be done adding. According to David Kaplan of CSN Chicago, the Cubs are continuing to show interest in Oakland A’s outfielder Josh Reddick.

On the surface, the Cubs have a strong outfield situation, but this is not the first time they have been connected to Reddick in recent days.

They may not have a massive need in the outfield, but Reddick’s left-handed bat would be a significant addition to the Cubs’ lineup. Reddick is an extremely patient and productive hitter who is hitting .293/.371/.428 on the season.

Reddick would not be a big-time power addition for the middle of the Cubs’ lineup, but he could provide some much-needed stability. The Cubs’ offense has been incredibly productive this season (their 498 runs scored is the fourth-highest in baseball), but they have struggled with consistency.

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Led by Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant, the Cubs’ lineup provides plenty of pop, but there have been some contact issues. Jason Heyward was brought in over the off season to help with those contact issues, but his .228/.316/.316 slash line leaves plenty to be desired.

With Heyward not producing and Miguel Montero looking his age, the Cubs have a lack of balance in their lineup that Reddick would certainly help. Adding Reddick to the mix would certainly bring some tough everyday lineup decisions, but he would immediately improve this already strong offense.

The 45-55 A’s would be wise to trade Reddick, as he is set to hit free agency this offseason. He is a talented outfielder, but any prospects they could land in exchange for him from the Cubs would be more valuable to the team than two more months of Reddick playing left field.

This is not a move that the Cubs must make, but adding Reddick to the mix would certainly make sense for the team who has clear World Series aspirations this year.

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