Atlanta Braves

Atlanta Braves Will Reportedly Acquire Brandon Phillips from Cincinnati Reds

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 1:03 a.m. ET

Fansided, Brad Faber/FanSided via Call to the Pen

The Atlanta Braves have reportedly found a solution to their second base problem by acquiring Brandon Phillips from the Cincinnati Reds.

After 11 seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, second baseman Brandon Phillips appears to be headed to the Atlanta Braves.

Early on Sunday morning, Jim Bowden of ESPN confirmed that Phillips had passed a physical. Pending a few other obstacles, including commissioner Rob Manfred’s approval, it appears likely that he will soon become the newest member of the Braves.

According to club sources Phillips passed physical. He also gets no-trade protection from #Braves and assignment… https://t.co/J2AK887E7p

— Jim Bowden (@JimBowden_ESPN) February 12, 2017

The “final hurdles” in the Phillips deal that need to be cleared include: Commissioner’s approval of vast amount #Reds paying & medicals

— Jim Bowden (@JimBowden_ESPN) February 12, 2017

Earlier on Sunday, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports also reported that Cincinnati will be picking up the majority of Phillips’ salary. Phillips, who signed a six-year, $72.5 million deal before the beginning of the 2012 season, is under contract through only next season. Per Rosenthal, the three-time All-Star is due $14 million in 2017.

Source: Phillips trade from #Reds to #Braves expected to be done tomorrow. CIN will pay most of Phillips’ $14M salary in 2017, save some $.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 12, 2017

Set to enter his age-36 season, Phillips has been a solid producer for many years now. In his 11 seasons in Cincinnati, he has never posted a batting average below .261. He has batted over .290 in each of the past two seasons.

He has also reached double-digits in the home run department 10 different times. In 2013, he drove in over 100 runs.

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During the past five seasons, however, he has posted an on-base percentage of only .317. Over that same stretch, he has posted a 95 OPS+, which is slightly below the league average mark of 100.

Phillips, a four-time Gold Glove winner, has consistently received good defensive marks as well. Last year, however, his metrics were not as good as they have been in the past (-7 DRS, -2.3 UZR/150).

For the Braves, Phillips should be able to provide a solid replacement for Sean Rodriguez. The 31-year-old Rodriguez signed a two-year deal with Atlanta over the offseason.

According to Chris Bahr of FOX Sports, Rodriguez and his family were recently involved in a scary car crash. At first, it was reported that Rodriguez had avoided serious injury, but his wife and two of their children were injured and hospitalized. Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports has now reported that Rodriguez will be missing three to five months after undergoing shoulder surgery.

For Cincinnati, the incentive for the trade appears to be clearing the way for the youngsters. Jose Peraza had an impressive showing with the Reds last year, hitting .324/.352/.411 through 72 games.

Source adds: #Reds’ return will be minimal. Motivation for CIN is to clear infield logjam.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 12, 2017

The Reds, who appear to be in rebuilding mode, are coming off of their third consecutive losing season. Joey Votto still remains, but many of the key players from the playoff teams of 2010, 2012 and 2013 have now been moved. Phillips would be the latest.

If a deal is completed, Phillips will be joining superstar Freddie Freeman, youngster Dansby Swanson and Adonis Garcia in what could be a very promising infield.