With a record of 22-39 after getting swept by the Reds, the Phillies remain as the team with the worst record in baseball. One of their few bright spots this year has been their closer, Jonathan Papelbon. The 34-year-old veteran has a 1.13 ERA and has saved 12 out of the Phillies 22 wins. It's no surprise the Phils would like to get something in return for their still productive closer and according to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Phillies have had recent discussions with the Cubs and Blue Jays about Papelbon.
The Phils have engaged in recent trade discussions with both Blue Jays and Cubs about Papelbon, according to major-league sources. No deal with either club appears close; the talks are at an “impasse,” one source said.
Here, according to sources, is where the conversations stand:
The most recent talks between the Phillies and Jays were late last week. Since then, the Phils have increased their scouting of the Jays’ minor-league affiliates, trying to identify players they might want in a trade.
Papelbon has a limited no-trade clause that allows him to block a deal to the Blue Jays, but the Jays do not believe that would be an issue.
Papelbon indicated that he'd be open to a deal to Toronto when he spoke to the media during Spring Training, mentioning that he was familiar with some of their staff.
The Phillies have told teams that they are more than willing to pay part of his salary to get a better deal, but both the Cubs and Blue Jays are reluctant to pay, whether it be any of his salary or young talent in return.
The Cubs may be less likely with the recent signing of former Nationals closer, Rafael Soriano.
Papelbon is owed more than $8 million the rest of this season and he also has a $13 million vesting option for 2016. The option vests with 55 games finished in 2015 or 100 in 2014-15. He needs to finish 26 more games this season for it to go into effect.
In three plus seasons with the Phillies, Papelbon is 13-10 with a 2.31 ERA and a franchise-leading 118 saves.
