Nationals 'moving on' from Brandon Phillips trade talks

The Nationals are "moving on" from talks to acquire Brandon Phillips from the Reds and are focusing on other second base options, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com. Washington reportedly had agreed to a deal to acquire Phillips from Cincinnati, but the veteran's unwillingness to waive his no-trade clause without significant concessions likely put an end to the possibility.

Washington is now likely to move onto other options at the position, and appears to have interest in free-agent Howie Kendrick, according to sources. The team could also pursue trades, though the trade market for second baseman is considered weak this offseason. Rosenthal notes that Daniel Murphy, who the Nats were reportedly interested in as of last week, is a low priority for the team.

The Nationals intend to play Danny Espinosa at shortstop to begin next season, with Trea Turner potentially getting some more seasoning at Triple-A. The team's aggressiveness in pursuing a long-term second base option is strange, as they have Espinosa locked up for two more seasons and Turner as a long-term solution at shortstop to replace Ian Desmond.