Longtime Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips has been traded to the Atlanta Braves as part of a three-player deal. The deal sends southpaw Andrew McKirahan and 29-year-old pitcher Carlos Portuondo to the Reds in exchange for the veteran infielder.
In a statement Braves GM John Coppolella said the following.
“We are excited to add Brandon Phillips to our club. He is a Gold Glove-caliber defender who will also deepen our offensive lineup. We are thrilled to ‘welcome home’ Brandon to Atlanta, where he will play in front of his family and friends and many of his fans.”
Phillips, who is in the final year of a six-year, $72.5 million dollar deal he signed in 2012, will help solidify the Braves infield after Sean Rodriguez’s shoulder injury. It is puzzling, though, that they would trade for an aging player such as Phillips while in the midst of a complete rebuild.
For the Reds, the trade isn’t surprising. They have dealt away many stars over the past few seasons, including Jay Bruce, Johnny Cueto, and Aroldis Chapman. They, like the Braves, are attempting to tear down their roster, get younger, and hopefully be competitive within the next few years.
