Jonathan Papelbon is no stranger to trade rumors, but this season’s window could finally be the one in which the Philadelphia Phillies deal the veteran closer. Papelbon’s potential departure looks increasingly like the next step in a long overdue Philadelphia makeover. But general manager Ruben Amaro Jr., already under heavy fire for his job performance over the past several years, might find the transaction easier said than done.
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Fortunately for the Phils, the typically mercurial Papelbon is enjoying a great season thus far. The reliever is a perfect 12-for-12 in save opportunities for the woeful club, sporting a very tidy 1.13 ERA. In 24 innings of work, he has allowed 16 hits and three earned runs while striking out 29. His overall numbers are shaping up to be his best since 2012, Papelbon’s last All-Star appearance. Now seems as good a time as any to unload the closer before any potential rough patches.
Teams in search of bullpen help have a variety of options, though. The Blue Jays have frequently been discussed in connection to Papelbon, but Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports that Toronto may instead prefer Oakland’s Tyler Clippard. Though Clippard’s numbers aren’t quite as strong as his Philadelphia counterpart’s, he is four years younger than Papelbon and might be viewed as an altogether more appealing choice. He is also due to become a free agent after the season, making him less of a commitment for interested teams. With the A’s sure to become sellers, Clippard’s will be a name to monitor.
Papelbon’s contract situation could also prove an obstacle to any deal. According to ESPN’s Jayson Stark, he currently has $8 million owed to him through the rest of this year, along with a $13 million option for 2016 that vests if he finishes 26 more games this season. A team intending to use Papelbon as a setup man may be more likely to pull the trigger to avoid activating that extra year.
However, Papelbon can veto trades to 17 teams and has indicated his desire in the past to remain as a closer. If the Phillies attempt to send him to one of his no-trade clubs, the notoriously prickly Papelbon would presumably require assurances that he would close games and receive his 2016 contract option.
As well as Papelbon is pitching right now, there are enough potential trade complications to give interested teams pause. In a season where they need to sell off assets, the Phillies will have to find ways to overcome those possible hurdles. Which clubs might be most motivated to work out a deal?
The Cubs just signed Rafael Soriano to a minor-league agreement, but any of the other teams who were in the mix for him might also be interested in Papelbon for the same reasons. With Andrew Miller on the DL and their bullpen looking a bit shaky outside of the Miller/Betances tandem, would the Yankees inquire about their one-time foe? Probably not, but ’tis the season for speculation.
The problem, of course, is that Papelbon will cost both money and players. Teams may be more inclined to look inward and make do with what they have rather than overspend on a closer. Jayson Stark also reports that the Phillies might be willing to eat some of Papelbon’s remaining salary to sweeten the deal. They will likely need to take care of a sizeable portion to get teams to bite.
Before the Phillies move their most attractive piece – Cole Hamels – or even attempt to shop Ryan Howard, they will probably try to unload Papelbon first. It seems like they are aiming to make it happen sooner rather than later. Will Ruben Amaro finally let the Philadelphia rebuild kick into high gear? Stay tuned.