The first major MLB trade of 2017 happened on Sunday when the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds agreed on a deal. Veteran second baseman and longtime face of the Reds Brandon Phillips finally waive his no-trade clause to come home to Atlanta.
According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com, the Braves and Reds reached a deal on Sunday afternoon more than a year after discussing the same MLB trade involving Phillips. The Braves sent left-handed pitcher Andrew McKirahan and right-handed pitcher Carlos Portuondo to the Reds.
"We feel like we've gotten a really good player in Brandon Phillips. He solidifies our team and our lineup. We're very excited to give Brandon a chance to come back to his hometown and to be a part of our lineup and our infield this year," Braves general manager John Coppolella said.
The Braves already signed Sean Rodriguez to be the team's everyday second baseman but he got involved in an automobile accident last January 28. Rodriguez suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery and he was ruled out for three to five months.
On the other hand, the Reds are in rebuilding mode so letting go of Phillips was a good move for them. They are far from being contenders as they play in a very tough NL Central division with the Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Phillips' departure also means Jose Peraza will be the starter while second baseman prospect Dilson Herrera gets more experience. McKirahan and Portuondo could also help the Braves if everything pans out for them this Spring Training.
As for Phillips, he finally gets to play for his hometown team Braves. He graduated from Redan High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia in 1999, per Yahoo! Sports. He will also be vital in the development of shortstop Dansby Swanson.
The 35-year-old second baseman was drafted in the second round of the 1999 MLB draft by the Montreal Expos. He made his MLB debut in 2002 for the Cleveland Indians before getting traded to the Reds in 2006.
Phillips was a three-time All-Star in Cincinnati and a four-time Gold Glove Award Winner. He also won the Silver Slugger Award in 2011 and joined the 30-30 club in 2007. In 15 seasons in the MLB, he is a career .275 hitter with 1,863 hits, 197 home runs, 889 RBIs and 198 stolen bases.
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