Reds agree to trade Brandon Phillips to Nationals

But it is believed the Nationals would have to add incentives – like more money or an extension – to coax Phillips to waive his no-trade protection.

Phillips is under control for the next two seasons, and is owed $27 million in that time. Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo made a run at free agent Ben Zobrist to play second base, but the versatile veteran chose a deal with the Cubs instead.

A trade agreement is “in place” that would send Brandon Phillips to the Washington Nationals, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.

Todd Frazier isn’t the only Cincinnati Reds star whose name is being thrown around in trade talks.

It’s also worth noting that Dusty Baker, who managed Phillips from 2008-2013 in Cincinnati, is the new skipper for the Nationals.

Phillips, 34, has full no-trade rights as a 10-and-5 player (10 years in the majors and five with the same team) and can refuse any deal. They have not resigned Ian Desmond to this point, so it has been rumored that Danny Espinosa could move to shortstop until top prospect Trea Turner is ready for big league actions. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, since Phillips still reportedly has to accept the trade… The two are said to be very close in their time together at Cincinnati and Baker wants someone he trusts to be inserted in the lineup.

The second basemen posted a. 294 average to go along with 12 home runs, 70 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases in 2015. It is a good move for Phillips to get out of the rebuilding Reds as they have no chance of contending for the next few seasons. He has spent his career with the Cleveland Indians from 2002 to 2005 and the Reds since 2006.