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MLB trade rumors: 5 players the Blue Jays should acquire

By Joshua Sadlock

May 23, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) bats against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) bats against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 18, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Brandon Phillips (right) reacts with teammates after getting the game winning hit against the Miami Marlins during the ninth inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 18, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves second baseman Brandon Phillips (right) reacts with teammates after getting the game winning hit against the Miami Marlins during the ninth inning at SunTrust Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Brandon Phillips

After waiving his no-trade clause to go home to Atlanta, Brandon Phillips may not make it through an entire season with the Braves. The three-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glover is having his best season since 2011. Phillips is batting .306/.346/.432 with 17 doubles, four home runs, and seven stolen bases.

Phillips has done more than just rake at the new launching pad that doubles as the Braves home stadium. He is batting .286/.333/.402 on the road with 10 of his doubles. He has also hit right-handed and left-handed pitching equally well. In the final year of his 10-year, $98-million contract, Phillips has put himself in position to earn another substantial MLB contract before he hangs up the spikes.

The 16-year veteran, who will turn 36 at the end of June, is an ideal fit for the Blue Jays the rest of this season due to his rental status. Devon Travis is still the future for this team at second base, so adding a second baseman who is under contract for two or three more years would only clutter the roster.

This is not a trade Phillips, who blocked a trade to Washington before the 2016 season, is likely to have any issues with as it would allow him to showcase himself with a contender while continuing to hit in a loaded lineup. Betting on a 36-year-old veteran to continue exceeding his career numbers is a risky gamble, but the Blue Jays do not have many more options at second base.

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