According to the Enquirer, the Reds have at least spoken to Brandon Phillips’ agent concerning a possible extension (and plan to continue those talks this spring), which Phillips says he would like…
“That’s what I want,’ he said. “I want to stay here. I love it here. Love the city of Cincinnati. I love the fans. The Reds gave me a second chance to come here and live my dream. I’ve been blessed. I want to give back to the city. I want to be the type of person Barry Larkin was to the city. It would be nice to be here for the rest of my career.â€Â
Even if you believe the Reds should keep Phillips, I don’t see how it makes fiscal sense for this team or how it’s possible. They just invested big money in Votto, Bruce, Arroyo, and Cueto AND have a multi-year deal on the table with Volquez.
You have to assume that Stubbs and maybe Bailey would be next in line.
I just don’t see how they can afford to keep Phillips; I would think that even with a “discount,” he’s going to want at least what he’s scheduled to make next year, and I don’t see how this team can afford a guy on the backside of his career at anything like $12M/year. Deferred money isn’t the answer either, as kicking money down the road just screws up your ability to compete in the future.
So, what’s the answer? A trade this year? Next ? Keep him until the end of his contract?