A deal that once reached "serious discussions" between the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers was thwarted for a few weeks when the two sides reach an impasse. However, the talks between the clubs have revived this week.
According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the trade discussions between the Phillies and Brewers involving closer Jonathan Papelbon are still active, but there is still some work to do. When the deal previously stalled it was believed to be over Papelbon's $13 million vesting option for 2016 - it kicks in if he finishes 48 games in 2015. Such a commitment would cost the Brewers a total of $26 million over the next two seasons.
As a result, the Brewers were trying to get the Phillies to cover some of the option if it were to vest, especially since it was reported Papelbon may require a team to pick up the option if he were to waive his no-trade clause. But now there seems to be another problem.
"Milwaukee is said to be the favorite to land Papelbon, but one person suggested early Wednesday the sides may be in a bit of a 'holding pattern.' The holdup appears to be related to a gap in thoughts about player compensation going back to Philadelphia," writes Heyman.
Earlier this week Phillies' general manager Ruben Amaro said the trade talks were "still alive" and he was speaking with more than one club, although he did not mention who. The Toronto Blue Jays previously expressed interest in Papelbon, but it doesn't seem as if the financial aspects of a deal would line up because it was reported they only have between $5 million to $7 million left to spend.
But Philadelphia is at a disadvantage if they're holding up this trade over player compensation. The Brewers have other options with some free agents available, including Francisco Rodriguez (who was their closer last season) and Rafael Soriano - both of whom would be a lot cheaper.
However, the Brewers are likely looking for a big upgrade as they're slated to enter 2015 in a very competitive NL Central division. They were in first place for a majority of last season, but a second half collapse booted them from the playoffs in favor of the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates. Papelbon would certainly be an upgrade in a bullpen that ranked 16th in ERA (3.62) in 2014.
The 34-year-old Papelbon had a career season with the Phillies last year and compiled 39 saves while maintaining a 2.04 ERA and 0.91 WHIP in 66 games (66 1/3 innings).
