Kansas City Royals: Second Base Trade Market

Jul 12, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins left fielder

(28) is forced out at second base by Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips (4) during the fourth inning at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Brandon Phillips is a big name at second base. He’s a three-time NL All-Star, with four Gold Gloves. From 2006 to 2013, he was the rare second-sacker with significant pop. He slammed 160 home runs over that eight-year stretch.

While the 34-year-old Phillips is still a plus glove in the field, his bat has fallen off the last two seasons. In 2014, Phillips declined to .266/.306/.372. He is only slashing .276/.312/.359 this season with 11 doubles, 1 triple, and 5 home runs. Brandon Phillips is still a stolen base threat with 11 swiped bags against 1 caught stealing this season, but he’s clearly slowed down with age.

That is the crux of the problem. Phillips is certainly available. But, do you really want to take on a 34-year-old declining bat with an expensive contract?

Phillips is still owed $4 million for 2015, and has $27 million remaining for 2016 and 2017. Unless the Kansas City Royals could unload Omar Infante and his $17.75 million in remaining guaranteed money in the deal, you’d have a WHOLE LOT OF $$$ tied up in a pair of declining, 34-year-old second basemen.

Yes, Phillips would be a short-term upgrade. And, he might resurrect the ghost of past talent under the rush of a playoff run. But I can’t see how he’d be worth it unless Cincinnati were willing to eat a lot of money in the deal: like say taking Omar Infante in trade.

The other fly in this ointment is that Phillips is a 10 year veteran who has spent 5 years with the same club. That means he has to give permission before Philadelphia can deal him.

Next: Conclusion