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| Photo by Richard Wilkins Jr. |
Reports have the Phillies in serious talks to trade Jonathan Papelbon to the Milwaukee Brewers this morning. I have no idea what the Phillies are looking for, or what Milwaukee is offering, but this is a deal the Phillies should get done. Why?
- The Brewers just cleared about $9 million by trading Gallardo to Texas, and therefore have some money to take on salary for Papelbon.
- Papelbon is in the final year of his deal, and even with his option, can only stick around two more years, so he's not a terrible option for Milwaukee's long-term budget, even as a small market. On the Phillies end, the two sides had discussions about Cole Hamels, so presumably the Phillies have been looking at various levels of Milwaukee prospects. In other words, they could be a good trade partner.
- Clearing Papelbon allows the Phillies to presumably slide Ken Giles into the closing job and Jake Diekman and Justin de Fratus into the 8th inning, or some combo of these three into these jobs, and clears a roster spot at the back end of the bullpen. With a guaranteed contract to Jimenez and Mario Hollands probably coming back, having not one, but two remaining slots in the bullpen will let the Phillies get more looks at other pitchers.
Papelbon will not be on the 2017 Phillies, the target date for them contending again. Regardless of when you think they contend again, he won't be around. Moving him out is good for having more space to try other guys out. If you can clear some of his money, and get any kind of prospect return, you do it. Even if it's not the exact ideal return to move him.
