The Yankees have had a pretty good second baseman these past nine years. But with the Robinson Cano sweepstakes in full swing, New York must formulate a Plan B in case the five-time All-Star leaves town.
The Yankees’ backup plan might actually include another perennial All-Star. In addition to asking about free-agent second baseman Omar Infante, the Yankees have checked in with the Reds about a potential trade for Brandon Phillips, according to CBSSports.com’s Jon Heyman.
Heyman reports that Phillips is said to be available for the right trade, but that the Reds’ initial asking price is “way too steep.” Then again, the $300 million that Cano reportedly is seeking on the open market isn’t exactly pennies, either.
Phillips, a three-time All-Star, is under contract for four more years at $50 million — part of a six-year, $72.5 million pact he signed with Cincinnati — but is on the trade market, according to Heyman, after two separate incidents. Phillips in July complained about his contract negotiations with the Reds, and then in August went crazy on a reporter who criticized his on-base percentage.
Phillips, who has four Gold Gloves to his credit, hit .261 with a .310 on-base percentage, 18 home runs and a career-high 103 RBIs in 2013. The 32-year-old smacked a career-high 30 home runs in 2007 and hit a career-high .300 in 2011.
Heyman lists Howie Kendrick of the Angels and Dan Uggla of the Braves as two other second basemen whose names have come up in trade talks.
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