Oakland Athletics Roundup: A’s and Josh Reddick Discuss Contract Extension; Henderson Alvarez News

Josh Reddick Contract Extension Rumors; Plus, Henderson Alvarez to Start on DL
Oakland Athletics Roundup: Monday, January 25

Let’s start the week with a dose of Oakland Athletics’ news and rumors:

• John Hickey of the Bay Area News Group and John Shea of the San Francisco Chronicle both provided plenty of insight into the Josh Reddick extension rumors over the weekend. According to them, talks have yet to really begin about any long-term deals, but both sides are willing to listen. Earlier this week, I speculated that such an early arbitration deal meant the two camps were too far apart to reach a settlement before Spring Training begins, but this should give A’s fans who hope to see Reddick in an A’s uniform next season a bit of hope. Reddick, however, does not want to engage in contract negotiations after the season begins, so the A’s have just over two months to get a deal done.

• Continuing with Reddick as the theme, MLB Trade Rumors thought that Brett Gardner‘s contract extension might be the type of deal that Reddick is aiming for. Gardner received a 3-year, $52 million deal prior to the 2014 season that covered 2015-2018. But MLBTR points out that the two players have different skill sets, and teams have handed out a lot of player-friendly deals lately, so there’s no guarantee that type of money or structure is something Reddick would accept. In addition, would the A’s be willing to tie up that kind of salary commitment to someone with Reddick’s platoon splits and injury history?

More from White Cleat Beat

• Zach Logue yet another disappointing Oakland A’s trade return
• Luis Barrera heading to familiar foe in Los Angeles Angels
• Looking back at Ruben Sierra with the Oakland A’s
• San Francisco Giants showing Oakland A’s offseason could be worse
• Lucas Luetge what Oakland A’s need in bullpen

• GM David Forst announced over the weekend that right-hander Henderson Alvarez is not expected to pitch until May, when he will be fully recovered from the July 2015 shoulder surgery that ended his season with the Marlins. In December, Alvarez signed a one-year contract that the Athletics hope will pay off once he returns to the mound.

In Case You Missed It:

Is Jonathan Lucroy a Perfect Fit for the Oakland Athletics? – Casey Witt analyzes the recent Jonathan Lucroy rumors. The A’s have expressed interest, but is Lucroy a good fit for the Athletics?

Ryan Dull Should Start 2016 In Triple-A – Samantha Riley looks at the reasons Ryan Dull might not be ready for an Opening Day lineup spot just yet. Will he begin the year with the Nashville Sounds instead?

A’s Arbitration Agreement With Josh Reddick Bad News For Team – As referenced earlier, I argue that Reddick’s arbitration deal with the A’s was a sign that talks had not progressed steadily, and the two camps weren’t even close to a deal. As it turns out, there hadn’t been any talks at all – but will he and the A’s be able to reach a long-term agreement before the season begins?

#Athletics

Next: The Top 50 Players in Oakland Athletics History

Around the Web

 Rising Apple: Mets Ink 3-Year Deal With Cespedes – The New York Mets were the winners in the bid for free agent Cuban slugger Yoenis Cespedes over the weekend. Although Cespedes took a smaller deal than the one the Nationals offered in order to stay with the Mets, it’s a very team friendly deal: 3 years and $75 million dollars, but includes an opt-out close after the first year and a no-trade clause, as well.