Josh Reddick is 6th among all major league outfielders in WAR at 3.8 ( photo by Keith Allison flickr)
Josh Reddick started last season in AAA Pawtucket in the Red Sox organization. After being called up in May, Reddick played in 87 games for the Red Sox.
After the season the Red Sox organization made some changes. Bobby Valentine replaced manager Terry Francona and Ben Cherrington replaced Theo Epstein as general manager. Jonathan Papelbon would leave the organization and sign $50 million, four-year contract as a free agent with the Philadelphia Phillies. The Red Sox would need a closer.
Billy Beane was retooling the Oakland A’s and shipped All-Star closer Andrew Bailey and outfielder Ryan Sweeney from the Oakland Athletics for outfielder Josh Reddick, infield prospect Miles Head and minor league pitcher Raul Alcantara. Most of the talk centered around Andrew Bailey and what he might be able to do for the Red Sox as their new closer. Not many people were talking about Reddick. They should be now.
In the 87 games that Redick has played for the A’s, he has hit 21 home runs and had 44 RBI, a .269 batting average and OPS of .877
Reddick has a WAR ( Wins Above Replacement) of 3.8 . That is good for sixth best among all major league outfielders. When it comes to WAR, Reddick is among the company of Andrew McCutchen, Mike Trout and Ryan Braun. He leads the A’s in home runs , RBI , runs, and OPS.
You would like to think that Beane knew what he was getting when he made the trade for Reddick , but how could he? Reddick is 6″2″ and 180 pounds. He does not have the look of a slugger, but a slugger he has become an Oakland. While he hit a few home runs in the minor leagues, not many could have projected the kind of season he is having now.
It’s hard to believe that someone can hit 21 home runs, in 87 games and barely get noticed. Oakland Colosseum isn’t exactly known as a hitter friendly park.
Reddick persevered in Boston to get this opportunity and Oakland. His character would not let him give up, a trait he credits his father for instilling in him. Reddick’s father lost his hands in an accident when he was 25 years old, the same age Reddick is now.
“He’s been the biggest influence on my life,” said Reddick , “The concept is never give up. I don’t take anything for granted. If I look like I’m taking something for granted, I always look to him and get reminded that I can’t do that.”
Reddick is a regular player in Oakland. He is making the most of that opportunity usually batting third in A’s manager Bob Melvin’s lineups ahead of Yoenis Cespedes.
Reddick was not the All-Star selection for the Oakland A’s, this year should have been. Fans in Oakland are realizing what kind of player Reddick has become, beane probably knew all along, hopefully, everyone else will soon.
