Josh Reddick is viewed as a player who will be a big factor on the trade market at the deadline period, and it sounds like the Kansas City Royals have particular interest in him.
Reddick, who is batting .296 with a strong .371 OBP and .429 slugging percentage this season, will be a free agent after the year. Since his Oakland A’s are not contending, they are likely to deal him for a package in return.
The San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser reported on Sunday that the Royals in particular have expressed interest in Reddick. She says the Giants, Cubs, Nationals, Blue Jays and Dodgers have scouted him.
Reddick has been a valuable player for Oakland, having smacked 32 home runs in 2012 and 20 last season. The A’s reportedly offered him a 3-year, $36 million deal prior to the season, but he was seeking much more and turned that down.
A team that trades for Reddick has to take into account the risk that he leaves after the season as a free agent, which would mean they would be giving up assets for a brief rental of the powerful outfielder. With Lorenzo Cain on the disabled list, the Royals have an even greater need in the outfield.
