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Atlanta Braves: Expected to Bring Brandon Phillips to Atlanta

By Kit Anderson

Sep 26, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips (4) hits a two-run single off of St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Michael Wacha (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips (4) hits a two-run single off of St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Michael Wacha (not pictured) during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Braves are close to finishing a deal that will bring Brandon Phillips to Atlanta.

Atlanta Braves fans have enjoyed an eventful off-season that will soon come to a close. The Braves are close to completing what could be their final trade before Spring Training begins. They are close or done with a deal that if approved with bring Reds’ 2nd baseman Brandon Phillips to Atlanta.

Phillips was headed to Atlanta on a deal earlier this season before invoking his 10/5 rights to veto the deal and stay with the Reds. While nothing has changed the Braves have reportedly allowed some changes to Phillips’ contract as well as giving him a guarantee that he will not be traded once in Atlanta. In exchange the Braves are sending two pitchers in their late twenties Andrew McKirahan and Carlos Portuondo.

With only one year remaining on his contract that should be an easy enough promise for Atlanta to keep. Phillips will also retain his 10/5 rights giving him the ability to veto any trade. Phillips will add personality and a veteran presence that Atlanta is lacking with catcher A.J. Pierzynski moving on.

Sean Rodriguez and Jace Peterson were expected to platoon and handle 2nd base for the Braves. Sean Rodriguez recently suffered injuries in a car accident and will be out for several months because of shoulder surgery.

This obviously left the Braves less comfortable at 2nd base and have opted to add Brandon Phillips. Adding Phillips will allow Jace Peterson to play in a backup role to six different positions if needed, though at his best he is a middle infielder.

Next: Braves Off-season Targets

Bringing in Phillips and promising not to trade the veteran is an interesting move for a team that has made a living adding veterans and trading them at the break. It signals that they are ready to and trying to win games now as they move into the new stadium.

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