Brandon Phillips and Cincinnati Reds Agree to Massive Contract Extension

The Cincinnati Reds are turning into the New York Yankees of the NL Central.

The mid-market franchise is just a week removed from extending 1B Joey Votto for $225 million; now ESPN’s Jim Bowden (also a former Reds GM) confirms the club has extended the contract of 2B Brandon Phillips for six years and $72.5 million:

"

Deal now confirmed....Phillips and Reds 6-years $72.5m congrats both Reds and Phillips

— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) April 10, 2012"

The deal will run through the 2017 season, meaning the Reds have locked up the right side of their infield for a looooong time.

It’s easy to understand why the Reds are comfortable making this decision. Phillips is the proud owner of three Gold Gloves, a Silver Slugger Award and an All-Star game appearance. In 2011 he set career highs in batting average (.300) and doubles (38).

Negotiations for a deal have been going on for the better part of a year, with plenty of road bumps in the way. After Votto signed his new deal, many speculated that would mark the end of the Phillips era in Cincinnati.

Instead, they keep the longest-tenured Red (along with Bronson Arroyo) and player that does more for the PR side of the franchise than anybody else. Phillips is the guy that headlines the Reds Caravan every year, traveling on buses around the Midwest to promote the team. His Twitter account is filled with light-hearted humor, even when he’s announcing the biggest deal of his life:

"

GOOD DAY #Cincinnati... Just got to say, THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!!!! Looks like y'all might have to deal w/ me a little bit longer 😁

— Brandon Phillips (@DatDudeBP) April 10, 2012"

He is a fan favorite, and Reds Nation has to be thrilled that it won’t be watching a disgruntled Phillips slog through the final year of his deal knowing he will not be back.

The Reds are spending big money to keep their own talent, and it ensures the club will stay competitive in the National League for the foreseeable future.  

Follow Eric Ball on Twitter.