Cincinnati Reds: Brandon Phillips Needs to Compromise with Club on Extension

Brandon Phillips claims he wants to retire as a member of the Cincinnati Reds. He also says he won’t give the team a “hometown discount.” Something has to give in these negotiations.

Phillips has every right to seek as much money as possible from a new contract. He is the best 2nd baseman in all of baseball, and is only 30 years old. In 2011 Phillips won his third Gold Glove award, along with his first Silver Slugger.

Phillips is under contract next season after the club picked up his $12.5 million option. After the season he will become a free agent, which is something neither side wants.

General Manager Walt Jocketty seems optimistic a deal will get done, but the length of the contract is holding up a deal. “That’s a part of what complicates it," he told MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. "The number of years that he wants and what we feel comfortable doing."

Phillips seems to agree. “I just want to be here like my idol was, Barry Larkin. It was all about the years, not about the money,” he said.

Phillips needs to understand that the Reds have a lot more at stake than just losing him. He is a great piece to build around in the future, but the club can’t sacrifice losing other players. Joey Votto will need a new contract in a couple of years, and the club will likely be facing the same scenario with Votto as they are now with Phillips. The results of the talks with Votto could be drastically different if Phillips comes at a hefty price.

Regardless of the outcome of the contract talks, Phillips is the face of the Reds organization in Cincinnati. He is the likable athlete who stays out of trouble and is a great role model for children. Phillips’ infatuation with the city and its fans will likely lead to a compromise from Phillips. If he truly wants to retire in Cincinnati, he will find a way to play the rest of his career there while helping the club contend for championships.