Cincinnati Reds: Ranking the top 10 hitters of the decade (2010-2019)

5. Brandon Phillips, Second baseman (2006-2017)

One of the best trades in Cincinnati Reds history occurred on April 7, 2006 when the Cleveland Indians dealt Brandon Phillips to the Queen City. Some folks may view this as a bit low for Phillips, but don’t forget we’re just dealing with the past 10 years. Phillips still earned three trips to the All-Star Game and earned three Gold Gloves during his final seven seasons in Cincinnati.

Known more for his fielding prowess, Dat Dude BP was also a solid hitter at the dish. For his career, Phillips hit .279 with 191 home runs and 851 RBIs. Over the past decade, Phillips slashed .281/.325/.415 with 103 homers and 506 RBIs. BP also swiped 89 bases over his final seven seasons in Cincinnati.

A fan-favorite, Phillips may not have earned the love of Reds Country more than during the brawl he incited with the St. Louis Cardinals. Phillips and Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina got into an exchange of words which led to a benches-clearing brawl between the two NL Central rivals. Phillips had said previously that he hated the Cardinals, and that didn’t sit too well with Molina and his teammates.

Phillips still maintained a high batting average over his final few seasons in Cincinnati, but Dat Dude lost some power, and his performance was no longer matching his paycheck. Phillips. waived his no-trade clause and was traded to Atlanta in 2017 following a career with Cincinnati that will, no doubt, land him in the Reds Hall of Fame.