Brandon Phillips to New York Yankees Update

Sep 25, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips walks back to the dugout after striking out in the second inning during a game against the New York Mets at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips has been involved in numerous rumors this off season. Things appeared to really heat up Wednesday at the winter meetings as the Reds and the New York Yankees apparently discussed the possibility of trading Phillips for Yankee outfielder Brett Gardner.

Cincinnati appeared to be ready to do a straight swap for Phillips by taking Gardner. Phillips is due $11M in 2014, his second year in a back loaded contract for the Reds. Gardner is only slated to make $4M next season, a swap would open up a lot of payroll for the Reds.

Brandon Phillips does have a no trade clause. The Yankees are a team on that list. Cincinnati never asked Phillips to waive his no trade clause though. Seemingly by doing that the potential for a deal is dead.

This comes a few days after general manager Walt Jocketty said that “Brandon is part of the team boys” this past weekend. Now according to reports Phillips is still very much “in play”. Walt Jocketty said that he will move the second baseman if it will help the tema in 2014.

For the Reds to take a straight swap Gardner for Phillips they want to unload his contract quickly. Gardner plays great defense and has a decent bat, but he may not be a Phillips caliber player.

This story was dead last night and alive tonight but it seems to have died again. Things can change quickly, stay connected on twitter. @riverfrontball