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In efforts to fortify their middle-infield with a veteran who not only picks it in the field, but also provides a solid offensive presence, the Washington Nationals are rumored to have a deal in place to acquire 2B Brandon Phillips from the Cincinnati Reds.
#Nats reportedly reached agreement to acquire Brandon Phillips, who must approve the move: https://t.co/SWhFAhLANs pic.twitter.com/l12BUqvyuJ
— Nationals on MASN (@masnNationals) December 18, 2015
Phillips, 34, sent out this tweet last evening which many interpreted as confirmation a deal was in place:
513 to 202 #PapaPope #OnDeck
— Brandon Phillips (@DatDudeBP) December 18, 2015
However, almost 24 hours later, no announcement has been made from either team making the deal official. Many feel this is due to the fact that Phillips, who has 10 & 5 rights which allow him to veto any trade, is still trying to work out some sort of severance package with the Reds.
There’s also a rumor circulating that Reds manager Bryan Price really wants Phillips to stay in Cincinnati, and is trying to convince GM Dick Williams to work out a new deal to keep him in town beyond the next two seasons he’s under contract.
After trading Yunel Escobar to the Los Angeles Angels, and seemingly parting ways with SS Ian Desmond, adding a player of Phillips’ caliber to the middle-infield is a must for the Nationals if Anthony Rendon is going to make the move back to third base.
If for some reason this deal falls through, the Nationals could be forced to sign former New York Mets 2B Daniel Murphy, who would be a defensive liability.
Timothy Downs is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. You can ‘like him’ on Facebook, add him on Google or follow him Twitter @Tidow1212
