Since 2006, the Cincinnati Reds have undergone numerous changes.
A uniform switch, two NL Central Division Championships, an MVP to Joey Votto and three managers. Needless to say, there has not been much that has remained the same through the decade. However, there is one constant that has remained throughout those ten years: Brandon Phillips.
Phillips, otherwise known as his Twitter handle, "DatDudeBP," has been a fan favorite since first coming to the Reds. After being acquired from the Indians in a 2006 trade, the flashy second baseman was instantly known for his contagious smile, slick fielding and timely hitting. Overall for his ten years in a Cincinnati uniform, Phillips has been to three All-Star Games, won four Gold Glove Awards and was a 30/30 player in 2007.
Despite his impressive resume and immense popularity, Phillips and the Reds have reached a crossroads. Although he has enjoyed a recent hot streak, he is still enduring his worst offensive season of his career. At the trade deadline this season, the team acquired Dilson Herrera from the New York Mets in exchange for Jay Bruce. Herrera, 22, is one of the top second base prospects in the league, and figures to be ready as a full-time big leaguer come 2017. Phillips, however, is blocking that possibility.
Over the course of his time in Cincinnati, Phillips has blocked trades that could have possibly landed him on contending teams. In 2013 there were discussions for Phillips to be traded to the New York Yankees, but he used his no-trade clause to stop the trade from being completed. At the Winter Meetings this past offseason the Arizona Diamondbacks showed interest in Phillips, showing the possibility of trading second baseman Aaron Hill in return. Those talks also fell through, but this time possibly stemming from the contract of Phillips. In 2012 he signed a six year, $72.5 million contract. This year Phillips is making $13 million, and next year he is scheduled to be paid $14 million.
The last instance in which Phillips was nearly dealt was in December 2015. For a day, the Washington Nationals had agreed with the Reds on a deal to acquire Phillips. Many saw no issues with the trade, citing that Phillips would have been happy to reunite with his old manager, Dusty Baker. Phillips himself tweeted, "513 to 202 ✈️ #PapaPope #OnDeck," noting the area codes of Cincinnati and Washington, D.C.. However, Phillips once again used his ten and five rights (ten years in the league, five on the same team) to block the trade that would have sent him to the Nationals, who currently lead the NL East.
So now the question is posed: what do the Reds do with Phillips?
His play is declining, his attitude has not been stellar and he has struggled to stay healthy in recent years. Herrera, as well as Jose Peraza, are ready to be MLB regulars next year. There are a few options the Reds can consider for the remainder of this year, and the upcoming offseason.
The front office can try to pass Phillips through waivers in August and hope that a team wants a veteran second baseman for their postseason push. The Phillies did this last year with Chase Utley, and he has gotten a chance as the Dodgers second baseman this season.
Bryan Price, although unlikely, could ask Phillips to take a bench role come September when Herrera and Peraza are called up to the MLB roster. Rather than continuing to play the oldest player on a losing team, it would be nice for the two youngsters to have a chance at the Major League level.
The last two options for the Reds seem to be the most likely. First, the Reds could designate Phillips for assignment, thereby giving them the opportunity to trade, release or place him on waivers. If they decide to not designate him for assignment, the team can hope to find a trade partner this offseason.
As a declining second baseman with a large contract, Phillips has put the Reds into a difficult predicament. Whether they keep, trade or release him, the career of Brandon Phillips in Cincinnati may be coming to an end sooner than later.
