Cincinnati Reds: Potential Trade Partners for Brandon Phillips

Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals fell from grace in the 2016 season. After consecutive World Series berths, the defending champions failed to reach the playoffs. Losing Ben Zobrist to the Chiacago Cubs and being plagued with injury resulted in a 81-81 record. Although pitching is likely their biggest point of emphasis after a disappointing year, there is a hole at second base.

The Royals struggled at second base last season. Young guys like Christian Colon and Raul Mondesi have endless potential, yet failed to perform. Mondesi is a natural shortstop and Colon plays wherever they need him to play. The Royals lack a consistent anchor at second base that provides on both sides of the field. Brandon Phillips would supply a much-needed bat at second base, and bolster their already great defensive numbers.

Not only would Phillips benefit the team statistically, he would serve as a mentor to these younger guys. Phillips, assuming he doesn’t resign, would provide the perfect transition to the younger guys. Phillips would likely take the pressure off of them to perform, and could create an infield platoon. So what would Kansas City need to give?

Based on similar deals in the past, Kansas City would likely have to give up one of their younger utility players. Whether that is Mondesi or Colon is entirely subjective to the Royals, but one of them likely would have to be traded. Throw in a mid-level prospect like Alec Mills and some cash, and Brandon Phillips could find himself in Royal blue.