2012 MLB Free Agents: Phillies Sign Jonathan Papelbon
By Editorial Staff
Just days after it appeared they had a deal in place to bring back closer Ryan Madson, the Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a four-year contract with free agent Jonathan Papelbon. It’s being reported that Papelbon will make close to $50 million over his four year deal, which includes a vesting option that could move the Phillies’ cost north of $60 million.
Having spent his entire career as a member of the Red Sox, Papelbon has been closing out games in Boston since 2006. The 30-year-old has tallied at least 31 saves per year during this time and holds a career ERA of 2.33. Though his earned run average nearly hit 3 in 2011, Papelbon maintained an impressive WHIP of 0.933 thanks to a miniscule 1.4 BB/9 and batting average against of only .207. Papelbon also managed to increase his strikeout rate last season, finishing with 12.2 SO/9.
Earlier this week it was reported that the Phillies had a four-year, $44 million deal in place with Madson, but it later came out that the sides never reached an agreement. As the deal was falling through, word spread that the Phillies had increased their pursuit of Papelbon.
Because Papelbon is a Type A free agent, the Phillies have to send their 2012 first round pick to the Red Sox. Madson is also a Type A, so the Phils will gain two picks of their own whenever he signs with another club.
In a free agent market loaded with closers and as a team expected to be a strong contender in 2012, some may ask why throw this kind of money at Papelbon this early in free agency. Amaro’s made these types of free agent moves before (Placido Polanco and Raul Ibanez), perhaps overpaying and over committing a bit in order to get his man.
For more on the Phillies, be sure to check out That Balls Outta Here.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.