Reds agree to trade Brandon Phillips to Nationals

USA TODAY Sports

Just a day after the Cincinnati Reds traded All-Star third baseman Todd Frazier to the Chicago White Sox, another cornerstone player was on the verge of getting dealt in the name of rebuilding.

Late Thursday night, the Reds agreed to trade second baseman Brandon Phillips to the Washington Nationals, according to a person with knowledge of the trade, although the deal is pending Phillips' approval.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because the trade was not yet finalized.

Phillips, 34, has full no-trade rights as a 10-and-5 player (10 years in the majors and five with the same team) and can refuse any deal.

He also has two years remaining on his deal. He is owed $13 million in 2016 and $14 million in 2017.

Phillips had Twitter buzzing when he tipped his hand that he was traveling to Washington, D.C. when he tweeted: 513 to 202 ✈️ #PapaPope #OnDeck.

The trade would reunite the four-time Gold Glover with his former manager Dusty Baker.

For the Reds, Phillips would be the third All-Star the organization has traded since July. Ace Johnny Cueto was sent to the Kansas City Royals at the trade deadline. Closer Aroldis Chapman was also close to being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, but it fell through after details of an alleged domestic violence incident emerged.

With the addition of Phillips, the Nationals would likely use Danny Espinosa or rookie Trea Turner at shortstop. It would also move Anthony Rendon back to his natural position at third base.

Phillips hit .294 with 12 homers, 70 RBI and 23 steals in 2015 with the Reds.

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