Reds' Phillips Uses No-Trade Rights To Block Braves Deal

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Published on January 6 2017 6:08 am
Last Updated on January 6 2017 6:09 am

By ESPN

Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips used his no-trade rights to block a deal to the Atlanta Braves in November, according to a report by FoxSports.com.

Phillips, 35, has the right to reject a trade because of his 10-and-5 status, which players accrue with 10 years of major league experience and five straight years with the same team.

His veto of the Braves deal marked the third time in the past two offseasons that he blocked a trade. Last year, Phillips rejected trades to the Washington Nationals and Arizona Diamondbacks.

The Braves' deal with Phillips fell through while they were pursuing free-agent infielder Sean Rodriguez, who ultimately agreed to a two-year, $11.5 million contract with Atlanta on Nov. 24.

Phillips signed a six-year, $72 million extension with Cincinnati before the 2012 season and has one year and $14 million left on his current deal.

He hit .291 with 11 home runs and 64 RBIs in 141 games last season.


Encarnacion Set To Help Indians

With his family watching proudly, Edwin Encarnacion stood in front of his new locker inside Cleveland's clubhouse, pulled on a fitted cap and slowly buttoned the front of his white No. 10 jersey.

Once finished, he pointed to the "Indians" logo on his chest and flashed a huge smile as cameras clicked.

It felt seamless.

"He's a perfect fit for our team," Indians president Chris Antonetti said Thursday.

In so many ways.

The Indians, accustomed to being outspent for high-priced free agents winter after winter, introduced Encarnacion, a premium player for the middle of their lineup who will boost attendance and maybe help them win the World Series.

One of baseball's most productive hitters over the past five years, Encarnacion finalized a $60 million, three-year contract -- the richest in Cleveland history -- with a team that got to Game 7 of the Series last season.

Encarnacion's deal would be worth $80 million over four years if the Indians exercise a $25 million option for 2020 that includes a $5 million buyout. There are also attendance bonuses built in as both the Indians and Encarnacion's agent, Paul Kinzer, recognized the three-time All-Star's ability to spin turnstiles.