The Cincinnati Reds have traded second baseman Brandon Phillips to the Atlanta Braves for two minor league pitchers. The Reds have been trying to unload Phillips for some time now as they try to rebuild. In fact, the Reds tried to trade Phillips to the Braves as well as the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Washington Nationals last season, but Phillips vetoed all trades.
Phillips agreed to the trade this time around when the Braves indicated they would not trade him during the 2017 season after which he becomes a free agent.
This trade should prove to be a bonanza to the Atlanta native. Phillips, who has been with the Reds since 2006, needed a change of scenery. In 2013, Phillips drove in 100 plus runs for the only time in his career, earned his third NL All-Star selection and his fourth Gold Glove. But his productivity has declined over the past three seasons. Phillips, 35, hit .291 with 11 HR and 64 RBI in 141 games last season with the Reds. Decent numbers, but far from Phillips' best output.
The Braves could be a sleeper in 2017. Yes, they finished in last place in the NL East some 26.5 games back of the Nationals. But the Braves went 59-65 under Brian Snitker after getting off to a 9-28 start under Fredi Gonzalez. During the off-season, the Braves have added veteran pitching in the form of former Cy Young winners Bartolo Colon and R.A. Dickey as well as ex-Cardinal Jaime Garcia. Adding Phillips into the mix gives the Braves a proven offensive and defensive force and a clubhouse leader. If the Braves make the post-season in 2017, Brandon Phillips will be a huge reason for it.
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