 | The Phillies have completed a deal to trade closer Jonathan Papelbon to the Washington Nationals. The deal was first reported by Fox Sports and later confirmed by multiple other reports. The Phillies have now officially confirmed the deal as well. MLB.com's Todd Zolecki initially reported that the Phillies would receive Double-A right-hander Nick Pivetta in return. The Phillies have now confirmed that they will receive the right-handed Pivetta, the Nationals' 10th best prospect according to Baseball America, and send cash considerations to the Nationals with Papelbon. |
Fox Sports is also reporting that Papelbon will take a cut in pay in order to get the deal done, further demonstrating just how badly he wanted out of Philadelphia. According to the report, the 34-year-old will make a guaranteed $11 million in 2016 rather than the $13 million he would have made if he had finished 14 more games to get his club option to vest.
The Nationals were originally on Papelbon's no-trade list, but the bigger issue was his desire to close. Papelbon had said he would only accept a trade if he was going to be his new team's closer, which Washington has agreed to.
As a result, Nationals closer Drew Storen, who has a 1.73 ERA and 29 saves in 31 chances this season, will move to a set up role.
In return for Papelbon, the Phillies will receive 22-year-old pitcher Nick Pivetta. The right-handed Pivetta has compiled a 7-6 record with a 3.02 ERA across high Class-A ball and Double-A in 2015.
A fourth round pick in the 2013 MLB Draft, Pivetta has struggled mightily in his brief stint with Double-A Harrisburg, however, recording a 7.20 ERA in three starts.
Papelbon officially finishes his Phillies career as the franchise's all-time saves leader with 123. During his stay in Philadelphia, Papelbon went 14-11 with a 2.31 ERA and 252 strikeouts in 234 games.
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
The Nationals were originally on Papelbon's no-trade list, but the bigger issue was his desire to close. Papelbon had said he would only accept a trade if he was going to be his new team's closer, which Washington has agreed to.
As a result, Nationals closer Drew Storen, who has a 1.73 ERA and 29 saves in 31 chances this season, will move to a set up role.
In return for Papelbon, the Phillies will receive 22-year-old pitcher Nick Pivetta. The right-handed Pivetta has compiled a 7-6 record with a 3.02 ERA across high Class-A ball and Double-A in 2015.
A fourth round pick in the 2013 MLB Draft, Pivetta has struggled mightily in his brief stint with Double-A Harrisburg, however, recording a 7.20 ERA in three starts.
Papelbon officially finishes his Phillies career as the franchise's all-time saves leader with 123. During his stay in Philadelphia, Papelbon went 14-11 with a 2.31 ERA and 252 strikeouts in 234 games.
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
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