Toronto Blue Jays: Options for closing

Jonathan Papelbon – PHI

Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Papelbon‘s name is not new in trade rumors with Toronto. There have been rumblings that Anthopoulos and Philadelphia GM Ruben Amaro have had lengthy discussions over the offseason. They could not come to a deal prior to the start of the season.

Papelbon will earn $13 million this year. He can earn another $13 million in 2016, if he closes out 55 games in 2015 or 100 total between 2014-15.

The Blue Jays’ payroll was $132. 8 million during the 2014 season. This season it is at $128.2 million. The Phillies would probably have to pay off a portion of Papelbon’s salary if they can work out a trade sending him north to Toronto. The jury is still out on what happens in the American League East. If Toronto is neck and neck battling it out for a division title with any team at the trade deadline, the Phillies are clearly in the driver’s seat as they can ask for more pieces in a trade.

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