Josh Reddick slashed .258/.307/.643 in 47 regular season games with the Dodgers. (Keith Birmingham/Staff photographer)
Outfielder Josh Reddick, who played 57 games for the Dodgers in 2016, has signed with the Houston Astros for four years and $52 million.
The Dodgers acquired Reddick from the Oakland A’s on Aug. 1. He proceeded to slash .258/.307/.335 in 47 regular-season games, and .308/.321/.308 in the postseason. Because he was traded during the season, Reddick wasn’t eligible to receive a qualifying offer — a one-year contract that would have allowed the Dodgers to gain a 2018 draft pick if Reddick signed elsewhere.
The Dodgers acquired Reddick in large part because of the uncertainty around right fielder Andre Ethier, who fractured his leg in spring training and wasn’t cleared to play until September. When Ethier returned — and hit effectively — Reddick’s long-term value to the Dodgers diminished. Ethier has no-trade protection and another year left on his contract. Between him and rookie Andrew Toles, the left-handed hitting corner outfielder roles were already filled. Reddick’s quick exit came as little surprise.
