Athletics trade rumors: Royals interested in Josh Reddick, Rich Hill

The Royals have interest in Athletics trade chips Josh Reddick and Rich Hill, according to a report from Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. Kansas City scouted Hill’s most recent start against Pittsburgh.

Kansas City is known to be looking for rotation help in advance of the trade deadline, and has also been linked to Rays lefty Matt Moore. This year’s starting pitching market is much weaker than the market that landed Kansas City Johnny Cueto last summer, but the team appears in on the arms that are available.

Reddick is one of the top available outfielders this summer, and has been linked to the Giants and Cubs in previous reports. Kansas City may be looking for an upgrade with Paulo Orlando starting in right field, though Orlando has performed very well so far this year.

Slusser adds that the Royals do not have interest in A’s third baseman Danny Valencia, despite a recent report to the contrary. Valencia is known to be drawing interest from multiple teams looking for third base help, with the Mets and Indians among the potential suitors.

Oakland is known to be a seller for the second consecutive year after trading veterans Scott Kazmir, Tyler Clippard and Ben Zobrist. Billy Beane and his staff will likely be very active within the next month, as the team currently sits 15.5 games out of first place in the AL West.