MLB Rumors: Chicago Cubs Could Acquire Josh Reddick From Athletics?


Joe Maddon and the Chicago Cubs are being mentioned in a lot of MLB trade rumors due to the struggles that the team has been having. They have lost 15 out of their last 20 games after Saturday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Many believe that a trade or two is the only way to get the Cubs back on track.

There are a few players that the Cubs could target ahead of the MLB trade deadline. Starting pitching and bullpen help are two of the biggest needs, but the Cubs could also look into acquiring another bat.

Dan Schmelzer of FanSided opined that the Cubs could look to trade for Oakland Athletics’ outfielder Josh Reddick.

Reddick would certainly be an intriguing pickup and would give the Cubs’ offense a much needed boost. They have not looked even close to the type of dominant offensive unit that they were early this season. It has become painful to watch them consistently leave runners in scoring position over the past few weeks.

[Photo by AP Photo/Carlos Osorio]
Throughout the course of the 2016 season with the Athletics, Reddick has compiled a.296 batting average to go along with five home runs and 20 RBIs, according to ESPN.com statistics. He has not been as big of an offensive weapon as he has been in years past, but he would fit nicely as a depth piece for the Cubs. Maddon has needed some outfield depth at times this season, especially with the injuries that Kyle Schwarber and Dexter Fowler have dealt with throughout the season.

Jason Heyward also hasn’t panned out the way the Cubs were hoping he would. He got paid big money in free agency, but his bat has been nothing more than disappointing. Reddick would be a consistent bat behind Heyward if Maddon decided to change up the lineup a bit.

At 29-years-old, Reddick has put up a few big seasons with the Athletics throughout his tenure with them. He cranked 32 home runs out of the park back in the 2012 MLB season, while he recorded 20 home runs and 77 RBI’s last season. Reddick hasn’t had a big year from a statistical standpoint, but he is more than capable of picking things up in the right situation.

It will be interesting to see what Theo Epstein ends up doing at the trade deadline. He has been very patient with the current roster, but the Cubs’ fan base is ready for World Series contention. Chicago looked like a championship caliber team earlier this season, but need to find their swagger again.

Oakland currently holds a 38-50 record and will likely be more than interested in dealing their valuable trade chips at the right price.

[Photo by AP Photo/Jim Cowsert]
Looking ahead at the trade deadline, the Cubs won’t be the only team interested in Reddick. There will be quite a few teams searching for an offensive upgrade in the outfield. Chicago has one of the best farm systems in baseball, but they may not be willing to give up the necessary price tag to acquire Reddick.

Expect to hear a lot of rumors come out in the next couple weeks about the Cubs and the trade deadline. Reddick’s name could end up being attached to a few of them. Epstein will do everything in his power to get the Cubs back on track and acquiring extra pieces could be the way to do just that.

Do you think the Chicago Cubs should look to acquire Josh Reddick from the Oakland Athletics ahead of the MLB trade deadline? Would he be the boost that the Cubs’ offense in the way that they desperately need? Let us know your thoughts on the potential trade in the comment box below!

[Photo by AP Photo/Rick Scuteri]

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