Report: Phillies recently held Jonathan Papelbon trade talks
The Philadelphia Phillies recently held trade talks involving righthander Jonathan Papelbon with the Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago Cubs, reports Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.
Though the talks are described as at an “impasse,” Rosenthal reports the Phillies have increased scouting of the Blue Jays’ minor-league affiliates to identify potential trade pieces. The most recent talks between the two teams were late last week.
The Cubs remain a possibility for Papelbon even after signing righthander Rafael Soriano to a minor-league contract on Tuesday, reports Rosenthal. Cubs president Theo Epstein and general manager Jed Hoyer were also both working in the Boston Red Sox’s front office when the team drafted Papelbon in 2003. All three were still with the franchise when Boston won the 2007 World Series.
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Papelbon will make more than $8 million this season, and he also has a 2016 vesting option for $13 million if he finishes more than 26 games this season.
Over 24 appearances this season, Papelbon has finished 22 and posted a 1.13 ERA with 29 strikeouts and six walks. He is also 12-for-12 in save opportunities.
The Phillies dropped to 22–39 after a 5–2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday.
- Mike Fiammetta
