The Cincinnati Reds reportedly have been shopping Brandon Phillips this offseason and teams like the Atlanta Braves, NY Yankees and LA Dodgers have been interested and while no deal has come up yet, it could be getting to that time for the former NL Central division champs.
According to Hardball Talk, signs of a Phillips trade may be coming in the form of a team event, as the site reports that Phillips' name was not on a list for an upcoming RedsFest "event" that will include former and current players. While that isn't an exact report that a trade is coming, the fact that the Cincinnati Enquirer noticed that he was not on the list is an interesting side note and that could mean a trade is coming.
Phillips has had some issues with management over his contract and how the team gave Joey Votto $200 million and that could eventually lead to a trade. Phillips called out the general manager in Walt Jocketty and team owner Bob Castellini about the deal, saying that they told him they didn't have more money to give him and that could eventually lead to the two sides separating. Phillips is one of the best second basemen in the league and that is why teams like the Braves and Yankees could be looking his way.
This past season Phillips had 24 home runs and 103 RBIs and he is one of the best defensive players at his position in the league, making him look very valuable for teams in need of a second baseman. The Yankees could prefer to keep Robinson Cano, but if he gets too expensive, the team could go another route. The Braves have been sick of Dan Uggla and would love to offload him and a deal with the Reds switching 2B players could be an option as well.
The 32-year-old has $50 million left on his deal and while Jocketty told reporters earlier in the offseason that they are not actively shopping Phillips that may have changed in the past few weeks. The Yankees have looked into Phillips according to the Sporting News and that is likely the best option for the team if Robinson Cano doesn't work out.
