Jonathan Papelbon has given up one hit and saved two games in four appearances this season, but the Philadelphia Phillies are 3-7 and have lost five straight games. How much longer will the team hold onto him with other clubs such as the Detroit Tigers and Toronto Blue Jays in need of a closer?
Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro was previously in talks with the Blue Jays and Milwaukee Brewers about a deal for Papelbon, but both discussions fell through because each party couldn't agree on player compensation or what financials would be covered in the closer's contract.
He'll earn $13 million this season and another $13 million in 2016 if he finishes 48 games this year, which is almost guaranteed to happen. Both the Brewers and Blue Jays have tight payrolls, so committing $26 million over two years for a closer isn't exactly in their budget.
A former general manager believes a number of teams could use Papelbon and may inquire about a deal if they fail to improve their bullpens by the trade deadline.
"Papelbon is the best closer available on the present trade market, and teams like the Blue Jays, Rockies, Reds, Indians, Tigers and Marlins could certainly use him to improve the back end of their bullpens," writes ESPN's Jim Bowden. "The Phillies are willing to eat some of his salary for the right player return."
Detroit and Toronto seem like the top two candidates because the Tigers placed Joe Nathan on the disabled list with a flexor strain and the Blue Jays removed Brett Cecil from the closer role after just one game because he's behind schedule as he dealt with shoulder soreness during spring training.
It's unknown what "some of his salary" means because if a deal couldn't be worked out with the Brewers or Blue Jays, then the Phillies are likely not willing to cover much of it. If Papelbon were to falter as the trade deadline approaches it will certainly affect Philadelphia's leverage in trade talks and they won't be able to get most the contract money off their hands. However, if he has a typical Papelbon-like campaign through July - which is probably what Amaro is hoping for - they might be able to get the player they want in return for him AND relieve themselves of the potential $26 million.
It's clear Papelbon is sick of Philadelphia, being that he told the Boston Globe recently that he doesn't feel like a Phillie. He also held a players-only meeting earlier this week amidst the team's recent slide because he's sick of losing, but he'll unfortunately have to deal with that on an inferior Phillies club.
Teams will be looking for bullpen help as the deadline gets closer, especially those who are in contention for a playoff spot. It's only a matter of time before Papelbon is dealt.
