Report: Orioles chasing Reddick
The Baltimore Orioles, apparently interested in improving their outfield, are reportedly chasing free-agent outfielder Josh Reddick, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
Reddick, the 2012 Gold Glove winner in right field, could bring consistency to a position that was a weak link defensively for Baltimore in 2016.
The Orioles started nine different right fielders that combined to record minus-19 defensive runs saved, the second-lowest total in the league behind only Detroit last season. Their outfield as a whole had a league-worst minus-51 DRS and minus-55 defensive WAR.
Orioles general manager Dan Duquette acknowledged Thursday that this is a major area of need for his club.
"We need to improve overall defense in the outfield," Duquette told Joel Sherman of the New York Post at the GM meetings in Arizona. "We need to look at all the options to support better team defense in the outfield."
Another reason Reddick might fit in Baltimore is his apparent love of hitting in Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Over 87 plate appearances at the ballpark, the 29-year-old has recorded a 1.167 OPS, his highest at any ballpark, to go along with five homers and seven doubles.
Despite a wrist injury limiting him to 115 games in 2016, Reddick hit .281/.345/.405 with 10 homers and 112 runs scored while splitting his year between the Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Dodgers, adding another eight hits in postseason play.
Reddick also tallied six defensive runs saved as a right fielder.
Because he was traded midseason, Reddick was ineligible to receive a qualifying offer.