It looked as though talks with the Milwaukee Brewers were dying down with regard to Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon, but as noted in this morning’s round-up there appeared to be a new interested party involved. That mystery team has now been revealed to be the Toronto Blue Jays.
According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, via Twitter, the Phillies are receiving interest in Papelbon from the Toronto Blue Jays. Rosenthal does note that interest is limited, but it still leaves a door open for a potential move. As noted by Rosenthal, Toronto may become more interested in a possible trade if the financial risk is minimal.
Translation: The Blue Jays are open to the idea, but the Phillies are going to have to eat some contract.
The Phillies are on the hook for $13 million to Papelbon this season, and that could become another $13 million in 2016 if Papelbon finishes 48 games this season to unlock a vesting option for 2016 (tip of the cap to Todd Zolecki for that reminder). The other hurdle to get by — and it’s a tough one — is Papelbon’s no-trade clause. Per his contract, Papelbon has the power to block a trade to any of 17 teams. Toronto appears to be one of them. But hey, money talks, so who knows?
For the record, I am not against the idea of keeping Papelbon in Philadelphia in 2015. He may not be the pitcher he once was, but he can still be one of the more dependable arms out of the bullpen and can be a solid closer for the Phillies. As optimistic as I tend to spin things, even I know the fate of this team is far from the point of having to make sure there is a good closer to secure a win at this point. If moving Papelbon can yield a prospect or two and free up some contract money for future moves, then the Phillies would be wise to make it happen. But at what cost? This is the million dollar question, pun somewhat intended.
The Phillies are going to be a few years away, in all likelihood, before having to worry about nailing down wins in the ninth inning. If they can move Papelbon in the next effort to build the next contending club, then they should not hesitate to move Papelbon (or any other player). If the right trade partner is not available, another year of Papelbon in the bullpen is not the absolute worst way to go forward though.
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