CINCINNATI — The Reds traded struggling center fielder Willy Taveras to the Oakland Athletics on Monday as part of a four-player deal that again left them without a proven leadoff hitter, and agreed to a one-year deal with shortstop Orlando Cabrera.
The Reds sent infielder Adam Rosales to the A's for infielder Aaron Miles, obtained by Oakland last December as part of a trade with the Cubs. They Reds also will get a player to be named.
In a separate moves, the A's signed outfielder Gabe Gross to a one-year, $750,000 contract and claimed infielder Steve Tolleson off waivers from Minnesota. They designated Taveras for assignment, along with left-hander Dana Eveland, to create space on their 40-man roster.
The 28-year-old Taveras signed a two-year deal with the Reds before last season, but had a subpar year as their leadoff hitter. Slowed by injuries, he batted .240 and had an on-base percentage of only .275 with 25 stolen bases. Rosales batted .213 in 87 games last season with four homers and 19 RBIs.
The 33-year-old Miles batted .175 in 84 games with the Cubs last season, when he has shoulder and elbow injuries. He has played for the White Sox, Rockies, Cardinals and Cubs. He hit a career-high .317 in 134 games for St. Louis in 2008. Reds general manager Walt Jocketty came from the Cardinals.
In addition to his $750,000 base salary, Gross will get $25,000 each for making 300 and 350 plate appearances. He would get $50,000 each for making 400, 450, 500 and 550 plate appearances.
Gross batted .227 with six homers and 36 RBIs in 115 games with Tampa Bay last season. He also has played for Toronto and Milwaukee.
Tolleson played at Double-A and Triple-A last season, batting combined for a .266 with 27 doubles, eight home runs, 40 RBI and 13 stolen bases in 130 games.