The big MLB news this weekend is the trade between the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves. Several weeks ago, second baseman Brandon Phillips used his no-trade clause to prevent a trade to the Braves. Apparently, Phillips had a change of heart as he is now headed to Atlanta. This may not have happened if a previous Phillips trade had occurred last winter.
As you may recall, Phillips was almost a member of the Washington Nationals. The Reds were eager to deal Phillips all winter long, but he used the no-trade clause to stop two known deals. One of them was a trade to the Nationals.
If Phillips did not use the no-trade clause, the Nationals would look a lot different. He would occupy second base and Daniel Murphy would play somewhere else.
The Nationals would be in a worse position had the Phillips trade been a success. Since Phillips’ contract expires after the 2017 season, the search for a replacement would begin after the 2017 campaign. This is not spectacular news for Washington as the second base free agent crop next winter is nothing special.
Next offseason, Neil Walker highlights the free agent class of second basemen. Howie Kendrick, Brett Lawrie, and Eduardo Nunez are three others the Nationals could target in a rhetorical situation. None compare to what Murphy did in 2016 or what he should do in 2017 and 2018.
The 2018-2019 free agent class has many better options at second base. Along with Murphy, there’s Brian Dozier, DJ LeMahieu, Jose Altuve, Ian Kinsler, and Logan Forsythe. This is assuming the latter three have their options picked up. It’s also very likely at least a few of them sign extensions beforehand. Even if they do, the options are far more plentiful.
By signing Murphy, the Nationals also saved themselves from trading any prospects for Phillips’ services. The cost would not have been exceedingly high. Even so, giving up any talent for a veteran past his prime is rarely a good idea when other options are available.
The Nationals will see plenty of Phillips this season. The good news is that it will not be with a cursive W on his chest.
Tim Boyle is a Staff Writer for Outside Pitch MLB covering the Washington Nationals. Follow Tim on Twitter.
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