The Phillies may have made some leeway in trading one of their players to a division rival. In the past, that may have been considered a faux paus, but the rebuilding Phillies may know that they will not be better for the duration of a player's contract anyway, why not?
Ken Rosenthan of Fox Sports reports:
Sources: #Nationals making progress on acquiring Papelbon from #Phillies. Papelbon has said he will only approve deal if he can close.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 28, 2015
The closing issue will likely make or break the deal.
The Nationals reportedly are not on Papelbon's allow list for a trade. Papelbon's vesting $13 million option for 2016 is based upon games finished, and Papelbon will almost surely vest it if he is a closer. As a set-up man for Drew Storen, he would not.
Storen has lost his closer's job in the past, but the Nationals really need a second high-impact back-end reliever. Storen has been lights-out this season, going 1-0 with a 1.72 ERA and 29 saves in 31 opportunities. However, in the playoffs, Storen has been known to falter. But, Storen could be okay with taking a step down to a set-up man to Papelbon if it increases the team's shot at a World Series victory.
Nationals writer William Ladson thinks that will be the case:
I have confirmed that the #Nationals are making progress in trying to acquire Jonathan Papelbon. #MLB #Nats #MLB
— William Ladson (@washingnats) July 28, 2015
If the #Nationals acquire Papelbon, Drew Storen most likely will go back to being a setup man. #MLB #Nats
— William Ladson (@washingnats) July 28, 2015
Will it happen? Ladson says "it's serious" on MLB.com.
Stay tuned.
