UPDATE: The Nationals are "moving on" from Phillips, reports FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. Phillips reportedly wanted an extension to his current deal if he were to be traded.
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UPDATE: Bill Ladson of MLB.com says there's an "85-90 percent chance" Phillips waives his no-trade protection and joins the Nats.
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UPDATE:
On Brandon Phillips-to-Nats: Washington officials are awaiting word from Reds, who are responsible for convincing him to waive no-trade.
— Barry Svrluga (@barrysvrluga) December 18, 2015
Lots of hurdles for Reds and Brandon Phillips to work out before a trade is approved. Far from a slam dunk.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 18, 2015
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UPDATE:
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
Trade agreement between #Reds and #Nationals apparently is in place. Talks with Phillips continue, sources say.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 18, 2015
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Washington Nationals manager Dusty Baker could be using his past connections to help the team upgrade at the second base position. The Nats are currently in trade talks with his former team, the Cincinnati Reds, according to the latest rumors.
Those discussions are surrounding Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips, FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal writes. However, Phillips has full no-trade protection having been in the MLB for 10 years and with the same club for five consecutive seasons (otherwise known as 10-5 rights).
The 34-year-old would have to approve any deal for it to go through.
"The Reds, who are actively trying to rebuild, likely would receive prospects for Phillips, sources said. Third baseman Todd Frazier, closer Aroldis Chapman and right fielder Jay Bruce are among the other veterans that the Reds are trying to move," Rosenthal adds.
Phillips has spent the past 10 seasons with the Reds after being with the Cleveland Indians for his first four years in the MLB. The three-time All-Star batted .294/.328/.395 with 69 runs scored, 12 home runs, 70 RBI and 23 stolen bases in 148 games last year.
Although he's a beloved member of the team, Cincinnati is in rebuilding mode after registering losing campaigns in each of the past two years. They're now seemingly far behind the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates, all of whom are among the best in the MLB.
Phillips is owed $27 million over the next two seasons. He'll make $13 million in 2016 and $14 million in 2017. Cincinnati could use the payroll relief and still get decent value for Phillips since he's under contract for two more years. On the other hand, Phillips would get to play for a contender in Washington before he reaches the twilight of his career.
The Nationals have Danny Espinosa as their second baseman for 2016, but Phillips is a much better offensive option. Additionally, there's still use for Espinosa since he's a good defensive infielder and, in the event they acquire Phillips, he may begin the season as Washington's starting shortstop depending on the development of prospect Trea Turner.
Cincinnati and Washington previously entered trade discussions involving closer Aroldis Chapman, but they fell through. Let's see if they can make it work this time around and strike a deal for Phillips.
