Orioles and Blue Jays are interested in Josh Reddick

Josh Reddick is drawing the interest of AL East rivals in a rapidly progressing free agent market, according to several reports, as both Baltimore and Toronto have reached out to the former A’s and Dodgers right fielder. Reddick had a strong first half in Oakland, hitting .296/.368/.449 with 10 homers. Sadly, he plummeted upon his trade to Los Angeles, hitting .258/.307/.335 down the stretch and seeing a lot of time on the bench in the postseason.

When he’s healthy, the 29 year old Reddick can provide 20-30 homers, with an OBP in the .320s or so. He also has a strong defensive reputation, although the numbers have not backed that up in the last couple seasons. But he has significant trouble staying on the field and he is utterly lost against left handed pitching.

Warts and all, he makes a lot of sense for both clubs. Baltimore has an opening in right field assuming Mark Trumbo does not take the team’s qualifying offer, and Reddick would provide a more well-rounded talent to fill that spot. The Blue Jays lost both of their corner outfielders, with both Jose Bautista and Michael Saunders hitting the market. The only question is whether, with Kendrys Morales now in the fold, the Blue Jays still have the resources to go after him.

Reddick is a tier or two below Dexter Fowler and Yoenis Cespedes, but with teams acting aggressively to grab mid-market free agents in a diluted pool, it would not be a surprise to see Reddick get a three or four year deal for $10 to $15 million a year.