Report: Nationals discussing trade for Reds' Phillips
There's a chance Brandon Phillips and Dusty Baker could be reunited for the 2016 season.
The Washington Nationals are discussing a trade with the Cincinnati Reds for the veteran second baseman, according to FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
Phillips has already secured 10-and-5 rights, granting him the power to veto any potential deal. However, joining a competitive Nationals squad could be appealing for the 34-year-old, who has never won a World Series title.
Phillips is still owed $27 million over the next two seasons, and hit .294/.328/.395 with 12 homers and 70 RBIs in 148 games for the Reds last year.
The charismatic four-time Gold Glover is also a fan favorite in Cincinnati, and shipping him out of town may further discourage the team's fan base following a dismal 2015 season. Phillips has played the past 10 seasons for the club after beginning his career with the Cleveland Indians.
Washington's projected starting second baseman for next season is Danny Espinosa, who hit .240/.311/.409 with 13 homers and 37 RBIs in 118 contests in 2015.
Baker, the new manager of the Nationals, is very familiar with Phillips from his time as the Reds' skipper from 2008-13.