Rumor: Washington Nationals Have Deal In Place For Brandon Phillips
By Ricky Keeler
The Washington Nationals have agreed on a trade with the Reds for Brandon Phillips, but it’s up to Phillips to approve the deal:
The Washington Nationals have been looking to acquire another second baseman this offseason and they are close to acquiring that player. According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Nats have a deal in place to acquire Brandon Phillips from the Cincinnati Reds. However, Phillips still has to approve the deal:
Trade agreement between #Reds and #Nationals apparently is in place. Talks with Phillips continue, sources say.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 18, 2015
Phillips has 10/5 rights, which means he is allow to veto any deal. He has two years left on his deal worth $27 million. But, as Rosenthal also points out, he signed his contract with the Reds to try to stay in Cincinnati for the rest of his career.
Phillips signed extension with #Reds, accepted deferrals, chose to live year-round in CIN. Will require financial adjustment to OK deal.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 18, 2015
It was Phillips who actually broke his own news first when he sent out this tweet saying he was going to the 202, which is the area code to Washington DC:
513 to 202 ✈️ #PapaPope #OnDeck
— Brandon Phillips (@DatDudeBP) December 18, 2015
#YeaBuddy... Touchdown in the 202!!! Can't wait to put smiles on the kids faces, see my #TeamUA, & also see #PapaPope!! #WeInDaCity #Scandal
— Brandon Phillips (@DatDudeBP) December 18, 2015
The problem for Phillips staying in Cincinnati is that the Reds seemed to have already found their new second baseman. On Wednesday, they acquired 21-year-old Jose Peraza from the Dodgers in the three-team deal that featured Todd Frazier going to the Chicago White Sox.
Last season, the 34-year-old second baseman had a slash line of .294/.328/.395 with 12 home runs, 70 RBI’s, and 23 stolen bases over the course of 148 games. In his 14-year career with the Reds and Indians, Phillips has played in three All-Star games, won three gold gloves, and won the Silver Slugger award in 2011. He was also drafted by the Montreal Expos in the third round of the 1999 MLB Draft.
In addition to being one of the best offensive second baseman in the National League, he also plays good defense. Last season, he had five defensive runs saved, which was fourth in the NL. Dee Gordon led all second baseman with 13 runs saved.
This move would make sense for the Nationals because it allows them to get another bat to add to their lineup, it would allow Danny Espinosa would slide over to shortstop, and it would allow Trea Turner to start the 2016 season at triple-A Syracuse and continue his development by playing everyday. Plus, if Phillips does go to the Nation’s Capital, it would reunite him with his former manager in Cincinnati from 2008-2013, Dusty Baker.