 | According to a report from ESPN's Jayson Stark, the Phillies are running low on potential trade partners for closer Jonathan Papelbon. Stark reports that the Blue Jays, Cubs and Dodgers are no longer actively pursuing the outspoken veteran. Papelbon has been very outspoken in the past about his desires to be traded, including just more than a week ago during the All-Star Break when he said "three years is plenty" with the Phillies. |
Most Phillies fans (and hopefully the organization) are in agreement with Papelbon on this issue, however, as it makes little to no sense to pay $13 million a year for an All-Star closer when you're on pace to lose more than 100 games.
One issue that could be preventing teams from pursuing the 34-year-old (aside from his noted attitude problems) could be the $13 million vesting option for 2016.
Time is now running low for the Phillies to flip Papelbon for some rebuilding pieces, as just more than a week remains before the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline.
Papelbon has recorded a 1.63 ERA with 16 saves and a .98 WHIP so far in 2015 with the Phillies. Whether or not he gets to take those stellar numbers to a contender remains to be seen.
Hopefully Papelbon gets his wish and is traded to a contender. But for everyone in Philadelphia’s sake, hopefully the Phillies hold off on making that trade until they receive an offer worth more than just getting rid of a disgruntled pitcher with a big contract.
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
One issue that could be preventing teams from pursuing the 34-year-old (aside from his noted attitude problems) could be the $13 million vesting option for 2016.
Time is now running low for the Phillies to flip Papelbon for some rebuilding pieces, as just more than a week remains before the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline.
Papelbon has recorded a 1.63 ERA with 16 saves and a .98 WHIP so far in 2015 with the Phillies. Whether or not he gets to take those stellar numbers to a contender remains to be seen.
Hopefully Papelbon gets his wish and is traded to a contender. But for everyone in Philadelphia’s sake, hopefully the Phillies hold off on making that trade until they receive an offer worth more than just getting rid of a disgruntled pitcher with a big contract.
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
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