The Atlanta Braves are definitely looking to make a play in the National League East this upcoming season. The team acquired veterans Bartolo Colon, Jaime Garcia and R.A. Dickey earlier in the offseason.
Now, set to start spring training here shortly, the Braves are reportedly close to acquiring Cincinnati Reds All-Star infielder Brandon Phillips.
Sources: #Braves close to acquiring 2B Brandon Phillips from #Reds.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 12, 2017
Phillips, 35, has been one of the most consistently good players in baseball over the past decade-plus. Last season saw him hit .291 with 11 homers and 64 RBI. It was Phillips’ second consecutive season of hitting .290-plus. The three-time All-Star is also one of the best defenders in the game, having earned four Gold Glove awards during his career.
It remains to be seen what would go back to Cincinnati in this deal, but the Braves have a ton of capital in a farm system the team has rebuilt over the past couple years.
Phillips does have a no-trade clause and blocked a deal to Atlanta back in January. Though, it looks like he’s having a change of heart here.