Athletics trade rumors: Dodgers, Blue Jays interested in Reddick, Hill

In an effort to upgrade both their offense, and add depth to their pitching staff, the Dodgers tried for a package from the Athletics that included outfielder Josh Reddick and starter Rich Hill, according to Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.

Rosenthal adds that the Blue Jays reached out to the A’s about both players as well. After trading for Melvin Upton Jr., the Jays might not be a legitimate candidate for Reddick. Upton is already their fourth outfielder at the moment with full-timers Michael Saunders, Kevin Pillar, and Jose Bautista occupying permanent spots.

The 36-year-old Hill is one of the top starting pitchers available, combining his good 2016 season with a lack of options for buyers. In 14 starts this season, Hill is 9-3 with a 2.25 ERA over the course of 76 innings pitched. The major issue with Hill at this point is a blister that has landed him on the disabled list.

That could just be for precautionary reasons, as they are getting closer to moving him, or it could be a larger issue.

The Dodgers have need pitching for most of the season, with a lot of their rotation spending time on the disabled list, including ace Clayton Kershaw.

Reddick, like Hill, is a free agent at the end of the season and the A’s might be pressed to get something in return for him. It’s been a good year for the 29-year-old, hitting .301 with a .373 on-base percentage to go with eight home runs and 28 RBI’s in 268 plate appearances.

The Dodgers have been very active in both markets. They have been linked to Chris Sale, even offering pitching prospect Julio Urias in a potential deal. At one point last week, there were rumors of a three team deal that would net the Dodgers outfielder Jay Bruce from the Reds. Since then, those talks have appeared to cool.

That being said, the Dodgers appear active on many fronts, not closing any options until after Monday at 4 PM EST.