The Reds 2nd signing in a week...
The Cincinnati Reds have locked up another key offensive player to a long-term contract.
A week after signing first baseman Joey Votto to a massive extension, the Reds agreed to a six-year contract with second baseman Brandon Phillips.
Phillips signed a four-year, $27 million deal before the 2008 season that had a $12 million option for 2012. This new contract replaces that one and goes through 2017.
The total value of Phillips' new contract is $72.5 million.
Phillips, who will turn 31 in June, has hit at least 17 home runs in each of the past six seasons. In 2011, he hit a career-best .300 with 18 homers and 82 RBIs.
In four games this season, Phillips is hitting .267 with no homers or RBIs.
Phillips has blossomed in Cincinnati, which got him from the Cleveland Indians for right-hander Jeff Stevens at the start of the 2006 season. He is a two-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner.
Phillips also is among the Reds' all-time leaders in homers, RBIs, doubles and hits for a second baseman.
The Reds last week signed Votto, the NL's MVP in 2010, to a 12-year, $251.5 million deal, the longest guaranteed contract in major league history.
