Source awakens Nats fans: Will BP be 2B?

WASHINGTON -- It appears that Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips could be close to becoming a member of the Nationals.

A deal between the Nats and Reds "apparently is in place" that would send Phillips to Washington, according to FOXSports.com. But in order for any deal to get done, Phillips must approve the trade. As a "10 and 5" player -- 10 years of Major League service time, including the past five with his current team -- he has the right to block any trade.

Neither club has confirmed a deal.

On Thursday night, Phillips tweeted "513 to 202," a reference to the area codes of Cincinnati and Washington, D.C. While that message certainly could be partly in reference to the trade talks, Phillips also apparently did make that very trip, from Cincinnati to Washington, for an unrelated matter.

Phillips could improve the Nationals' infield defense up the middle as well as drive in runs. He's won four National League Gold Glove Awards and one NL Silver Slugger Award. If Phillips were to join the Nats, he would be reunited with manager Dusty Baker. The two worked together in Cincinnati from 2008-13 and reached the postseason three times.

Phillips, 34, also has the distinction of being selected by the Expos in the second round of the 1999 Draft. He was later traded to the Indians in 2002 in the blockbuster deal that brought Bartolo Colon to Montreal.

Phillips is under contract with the Reds for $27 million during the next two years. He hit .294 with a .328 on-base percentage, a .395 slugging percentage, 12 homers and 70 RBIs last season.

For the Nationals to acquire Phillips, the Reds would likely want prospects they can control for a while, preferably position players.