Rumor: Brewers In Trade Talks to Acquire Papelbon?
According to a tweet that came in just after midnight CT on Friday morning, the Brewers are in “serious discussions” to acquire Jonathan Papelbon from the Philadelphia Phillies.
Sources: Milwaukee in serious discussions with Phillies to acquire Jonathan Papelbon. Unclear if Brewers are on Papelbon’s no-trade list.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 23, 2015
The Phillies have been selling off several of their high-priced veterans, and Papelbon fits that M.O. The 6’4″ veteran closer is set to make $13 million in 2015 and has a vesting option for 2016 as a part of his contract as well. The Brewers did just save ~$9 million when they traded Yovani Gallardo, so conventional logic would seem to infer that the Phillies might be paying a portion of Papelbon’s contract in any deal.
The now 34-year-old Papelbon saved 39 games for a Phillies team that only won 79 all season. He pitched to a 2.04 ERA in 66.1 IP. He struck out 63 batters and walked just 15. In stark contrast to the outgoing Brewers closer of 2014, Francisco Rodriguez, Papelbon gave up only two (2) home runs last year. His FIP (2.53) and WHIP (0.905) are encouraging peripherals as well.
Papelbon does have a 17-team no-trade list, but it’s unknown whether the Brewers are on the list.
An acquisition of Papelbon would certainly satisfy Doug Melvin’s oft-stated desire to have multiple guys in the his bullpen who have experience closing games. In fact, Papelbon was a rumored target for the Brewers last season before they ultimately acquired Jonathan Broxton from the Cincinnati Reds. At the time, the idea of Papelbon in Milwaukee was panned due to the financial commitment due him. For the record, his 2016 option (also at $13 million) vests if Papelbon finishes 48 games in 2015 as that would bring his two-year total up to 100.
***UPDATE***
As often happens when one baseball writer breaks news, others react to it by checking in with their own sources and then share what they’ve learned. So far today, that role has been filled by FoxSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal and ESPN.com’s Jayson Stark.
Source: #Brewers on Papelbon’s no-trade list. Talks with #Phillies have picked up in recent weeks, but deal still not close.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 23, 2015
For #Brewers, #Phillies to make Papelbon trade, they would need to agree on $$$ going to MIL and players to PHI – and secure Pap’s approval.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 23, 2015
To this point, none of those things have occurred. But deal certainly not out of question, given #Phillies’ motivation to move Papelbon.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 23, 2015
Source: Papelbonlikely would require team on no-trade list to guarantee $13M vesting option for ’16. Opt will vest if he finishes 48 games
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 23, 2015
#Phillies’ Papelbonhas not been approached about waiving no-trade to #Brewers, per source. Sign that talks are not in advanced stage.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 23, 2015
So all that seems to counter, to a degree, what Jeff Passan originally reported. However, Jayson Stark then chimed in.
Last remaining obstacle to trade sending Papelbon to #Brewers is working out how much $ #Phillies would pay if Papelbon’s option vests
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) January 23, 2015
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
Stay tuned.
