Photo: Philliedelphia/Andrew Gillen
News broke late last night that the Phillies were in "serious discussions" with the Milwaukee Brewers about a deal that would send Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon to Milwaukee. Today, some details are emerging that can complicate the possible trade. The primary problem: Papelbon's partial no-trade clause, and a $13 million contract option that may easily vest.
The first potential stumbling block would be Papelbon's no-trade list:
Here are the 12 teams Papelbon CAN'T block trade to, according to source: Bos, TB, KC, LAA, Sea, Hou, NYM, Atl, StL, Cin, Cubs, SD
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyCSN) January 23, 2015
The Brewers are indeed a team on Papelbon's not trade list.
There is hope for a trade, as ESPN reports that Papelbon would waive it…for a price.
A source told ESPN that Papelbon can block a trade to the Brewers, but would waive that if the vesting option for 2016 is guaranteed.
If Papelbon finishes 48 games this season, the option would vest automatically.
Just to clarify, Papelbon would waive no-trade & accept deal to #Brewers but would want option guaranteed if teams agree how to split the $
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) January 23, 2015
48 games is not that unattainable; Papelbon does not need to save those games. If Papelbon finishes a game with a four-run lead or pitches a mop-up inning at the end of the game because he has not worked in a few days, those games would count. Papelbon finished 63 games in the Phillies' 2012 season.
