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MLB Rumors: Brandon Phillips expected to waive no-trade clause

By Nathaniel Reeves

Aug 9, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips (4) throws to first base to retire an Arizona Diamondbacks runner during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips (4) throws to first base to retire an Arizona Diamondbacks runner during the first inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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The longtime Cincinnati Reds second baseman is expected to waive his no-trade clause for a potential deal to the Washington Nationals.

With the Cincinnati Reds entering a long rebuilding phase, the team is attempting to sell off any players who aren’t a part of the long-term picture. That includes veteran second baseman Brandon Phillips, who has been with the Reds since 2006.

A potential Phillips deal is complicated due to the fact that he has 10 and 5 rights, meaning he can veto a trade to any club. However, Phillips would be willing to waive that protection for a possible trade to the Washington Nationals that is becoming closer and closer to fruition, according to Bill Ladson of MLB.com.

While it would be difficult for the two sides to part with each other, Washington would be a logical destination for Phillips to waive his no-trade clause for. The Nationals should be contending for the rest of Phillips’ contract, and he wold have a chance to be reunited with former manager Dusty Baker.

Phillips’ best days are behind him, but he still does carry some value. After a career worst year in 2014, Phillips bounced back last season to post 2.6 WAR per FanGraphs.com, thanks to a roughly league-average bat plus strong defense as always.

While that may not make the 34-year-old Phillips worth the six-year, $72 million deal he signed back in 2012, he could still help the Nationals next season. Washington doesn’t have a clear plan at second base after trading Yunel Escobar, and infield defense was a huge issue for the team last season. The team is also expected to lose Ian Desmond in free agency, so the middle infield will have a much different look in 2016.

Ladson adds that none of Washington’s top prospects are in play for a potential Phillips deal. Given Phillips’ age and contract status, the Reds shouldn’t be looking for a top prospect in return.  Cincinnati could hope for a B prospect that is close to major league ready to fill one of the many holes on the roster, or a couple of low-level lottery ticket prospects.

The Reds have already received solid hauls for trading away Johnny Cueto and Todd Frazier, and it looks like Phillips will be the next piece dealt off if he indeed waives his no-trade protection. Cincinnati should continue the fire sale by dealing Jay Bruce and potentially Aroldis Chapman later in the offseason.

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