Oakland Athletics executive vice president of baseball operations Billy Beane is typically open to trading any of his players, but he's been hesitant to listen to offers on outfielder Josh Reddick despite much interest from around the MLB.
Rumors suggest the two sides might engage in contract extension talks soon.
John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group is reporting that the A's have told Reddick "they'd like to talk about a multi-year deal" and that Reddick is "ready to listen." The two sides avoided arbitration with a one-year, $6.575 million deal last week. It's Reddick's final year of arbitration eligibility, which means he'll become a free agent after the 2016 season.
"Suggestions that the A's would try and get right fielder Josh Reddick's name on a contract extension have yet to pan out," writes Hickey.
"Reddick says there's no hurry, but if the club wants to talk, he's all ears. He was thrilled when club vice president Billy Beane told him of his plans last year."
The slugger's breakout year came in 2012 - his first with Oakland - when he batted .242/.305/.463 with 85 runs scored, 32 home runs, 85 RBI and 11 stolen bases in 156 games. His next best campaign came last year when he put up a .272/.333/.449 stat line with 67 runs scored, 20 home runs, 77 RBI and 10 stolen bases in 149 games.
Beane noted back in October that the team was considering an extension for Reddick, but the two sides have yet to make any progress. He also said in November that he "just cannot see" the team trading Reddick or star pitcher Sonny Gray.
Oakland has made a number of big moves thise offseason. They bolstered their bullpen with the additions of Ryan Madson, Liam Hendriks and Marc Rzepczynski as well as trading for infielder Jed Lowrie and first baseman Yonder Alonso. They also signed starters Rich Hill and Henderson Alvarez to provide more depth for their rotation.
The Athletics are faced with a tough task in competing with the other talented clubs in the AL West, but Oakland is always unpredictable. Signing Reddick to a long-term deal would be a prudent move, but it could depend on how Beane views the stability of this team for the foreseeable future.
Then again, Beane could always sign Reddick and then trade him down the road if things don't work out.
