Chicago Cubs trade rumors 2016: Cubs keen to pick up Josh Reddick

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The Chicago Cubs are reportedly continuing their scouting for more powerhouses in the upcoming season. Speculations suggest that one of the targets may be A's Josh Reddick.

According to SB Nation, while Reddick has not played for the Cubs before, the player already has an indirect relationship with the President of Baseball Operations' Theo Epstein. Epstein was with the Sox before, and Reddick saw his first plays with the team before going onboard with the Oakland Athletics. The industry follower believes that as an outfielder, Reddick can be a great support for Willson Contreras. Not to mention, Reddick's pending free agency is also one of the least expensive acquisitions for the Cubs.

However, the Cubs will need to get into high gear if they want to talk to Reddick, since the August trade deadline is only days away. In addition, it seems other teams are also scouting for some of the A's starters.

Reportedly, Reddick is also on the shopping list of the Los Angeles Dodgers. ESPN reports that the Oakland Athletics may already be in talks with the Dodgers, with Reddick on the trading block along with starting pitcher Rich Hill. The Dodgers seems to be too much interested in the duo, since they have reportedly laid down two trade selections – one acquiring both players in a single deal, and the other a separate trade for each player.

It remains to be seen if the A's will counter and will ask Reddick to stay, since the star is considered to be one of the better batters currently in free agency. Reddick's numbers now average .300 in hits, with seven home runs and 27 RBIs in the current season. Just this week, the Oakland Athletics had a 6-4 run against the Texas Rangers, with Reddick going 2-for-4 with a base steal at the sixth inning.