(mlb.com)
There are current reports that say the Washington Nationals have contacted the Cincinnati Reds in a possible trade which would involve All-Star second baseman Brandon Phillips.
While nothing is written in stone just yet, there are two things to think about when it comes to this possible deal: 1) the thirty-four year old is still under contract with the Reds for two more years which will pay him $27 million 2) Phillips has a no-trade clause which means that he would need to be notified of the possible deal and then waive the clause in order for it to be finalized.
The veteran second baseman who is known for his solid defensive skills, hit .294 last season along with twelve homers and twenty-three stolen bases, the most bases he has stolen since 2009.He is a four-time National League Gold Glove Award Winner, the 2011 Silver Slugger Award Winner and three-time All-Star.
The Nats could definitely use a solid second baseman since the only other option that they have is Danny Espinosa. Although Espinosa is a solid defensive player, his bat struggles at times especially against right-handers. Putting a more reliable bat in the lineup would definitely boost the Nats’ starting lineup, and would allow Espinosa to be a utility player instead.
If the deal does become finalized it would reunite Phillips with his former Manager, Dusty Baker who was the Manager of the Cincinnati Reds from 2008 until 2013 and is now the new Manager of the Nationals.
It is rumored that the Reds would receive a group of talented prospects in the trade, most likely some of the top in the Nats’ system to equal out for Phillips talent.
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