MLB Trade Rumors: 5 best fits for Brandon Phillips
By Greg Patuto
5. Washington Nationals
The Nationals have completely turned their team around from last season. Before the start of the 2015 season, this team was supposed to cruise to the World Series with all the talent they have. Well, Bryce Harper was the only player to live up to all of the hype. Finishing with a mediocre record of 83-79, they finished seven games back of the NL Champion New York Mets.
Here in 2016, it’s a different story. The Nationals have turned their team around with just three things; a new manager in Dusty Baker, signing Daniel Murphy and the emergence of Stephen Strasburg as a legitimate ace. Right now, the Nationals sit at 58-41 which is good for first in the NL East, four and a half games ahead of the Marlins and five ahead of the Mets.
You might be thinking, why would the Nationals trade for Brandon Phillips when they have Murph? Well, while Murphy is right now the NL MVP, he is a below average fielding second baseman. Who can forget the errors made in last year’s World Series?
Phillips can be used as a defensive replacement late in games when the Nationals have a lead and just want to be secure up the middle. Let’s not forget that Murphy did miss a few games coming out of the All-Star break with a minor injury. It would be nice to have a proven veteran behind him if he needs a game or two off.
The Nationals have lived off hype for years now but eventually you have to win. With the Cubs and Giants dominating the NL, the Nationals need some help if they want to make a World Series run and Phillips could be the player and leader they need.
Next: 4. Kansas City Royals