The trade market figures to heat up over the weekend as Monday’s non-waiver trade deadline continues to draw near. That in turn should lead to plenty of speculation involving the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Los Angeles has been linked to several starting pitchers and outfielders, and multiple high-end relievers. From the outside looking in, it appears president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman and his front office is primarily focused on addressing the rotation.
However, what options are available on the trading block isn’t readily apparent. The Chicago White Sox reportedly haven’t given a clear sign they’re willing to part with Chris Sale, and the Tampa Bay Rays are believed to be leaning toward keeping their crop of young starters.
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney the Dodgers and Oakland Athletics have discussed a package trade for Rich Hill and Josh Reddick, and individual deals:
The Athletics have talked about pitcher Rich Hill and outfielder Josh Reddick in a possible package together to the Dodgers, and they’ve talked about them separately.
The Dodgers’ interest in Hill was first reported earlier this month, but it was quickly overshadowed by talks of a potential trade for Chris Archer or Sale. Los Angeles was most recently tied to Reddick this week.
Hill, 36, is suffering from a blister on a finger on his throwing hand, has otherwise enjoyed a strong season thus far. The southpaw is 9-3 with a 2.25 ERA, 2.53 FIP and 1.09 WHIP over 14 starts. Hill last pitched July 17, when he was removed in the first inning due to the blister.
Reddick is batting .300/.375/.443 this season, with 10 doubles, seven home runs and 27 RBIs in 65 games. The majority of his success has come against righties as Reddick is hitting .349/.420/.548 with his season’s worth of doubles and home runs, and 23 RBIs in 188 plate appearances.
He missed six weeks with a fractured left thumb. Both Hill and Reddick are in the final year of their respective contract.