Cincinnati Reds: Who is most likely to have their jersey retired next?

Brandon Phillips, No. 4

Will fans ever see a more charismatic individual ever grace the infield of Great American Ball Park? Brandon Phillips had “it”. Perhaps the greatest Reds second baseman aside from Joe Morgan, Phillips was fantastic with the glove, solid with the bat and beloved by Reds Country. Will Phillips’ No. 4 be the next number to be adorned above home plate?

The Reds pulled off one of the greatest trades in recent history when Cincinnati sent pitcher Jeff Stevens to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for Phillips. Dat Dude would go on to win a Sliver Slugger (2011), four Gold Gloves and appear on three National League All-Star teams. Phillips also brought a necessary attitude to a Reds team that began to compete after years of futility.

After the 1995 run to the NLCS, little happened around Reds Country. Cincinnati came close to a playoff berth in 1999, but aside from that, the Reds were typically finishing in third place or worse in the division. Phillips, along with the aforementioned Bronson Arroyo, helped usher in a new era in Reds baseball. Much like Arroyo, Phillips was key to the team’s success in 2010-2013.

Brandon Phillips ended his Cincinnati Reds career after the 2016 season. Phillips was shipped to his hometown Atlanta Braves in exchange for two minor-league pitchers. Phillips massive salary was unnecessary for the rebuilding Reds. Dat Dude, however, will always be remembered fondly in Reds Country for his skilled glove, fun-loving personality and genuine smile.