You can never have too many outfielders, and the Chicago Cubs are Exhibit A of that theorem.
According to a report by Jon Morosi of MLB Network on Thursday, the Cubs are showing interest in Oakland Athletics right fielder Josh Reddick. The 29-year-old has been slowed by a thumb fracture this season but is beginning to round into form. Morosi also notes that Cubs president Theo Epstein drafted Reddick during his time as general manager of the Boston Red Sox.
Sources: #Cubs are looking at Josh Reddick. Bat coming around after missing nearly 6 weeks with fractured thumb. Theo drafted him in Boston.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 21, 2016
Despite the injury, which has limited him to just 59 games, Reddick has actually been having a remarkable year at the dish with a .301 batting average and a .825 OPS, both career highs. There had been some talk before the season that the A’s were considering a contract extension for Reddick. But with the team currently in the cellar of the AL West and general manger Billy Beane having a notoriously quick trigger when it comes to roster teardowns, Reddick has begun to look more and more like a potential trade chip.
Though the Royals have also showed interest in Reddick, he would make for a great addition to the Cubs. Jason Heyward is currently stationed in right field, while 22-year-old Albert Almora Jr. has done well in center since being called up last month. But Almora may not be ready to be a meaningful postseason contributor yet, and Heyward could move to center field, where he has significant experience, in order to accommodate Reddick. By acquiring Reddick, the Cubs would be getting Gold Glove-caliber defense in right and another impact bat in the back-middle of their lineup. Dexter Fowler’s return might complicate matters, but it’s at least an idea Chicago should consider.
With less than two weeks to go before the trade deadline, the revelation that the already-slaughterous Cubbies may actually be buyers this year ought to be flat-out terrifying for the rest of the MLB.
H/T Rotoworld
