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The Philadelphia Phillies are already 10 games out in the National League East, so they should be looking to trade some expensive veterans between now and July’s trade deadline. Jonathan Papelbon is among those that could be on the move, and since he is 12-for-12 in save opportunities with a 1.13 ERA so far this season he’s sure to be highly sought after by contending teams.
Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports has reported the Phillies are ready to trade Papelbon, while specifically mentioning recent discussions with the Chicago Cubs and Toronto Blue Jays regarding the veteran closer. Jim Salisbury of CSNPhilly.com went a little further, reporting that the Blue Jays had a scout in Cincinnati this week to watch the Phillies play the Reds. Salisbury’s report allows for the possibility Toronto has interest in other Phillies’ pitchers, including Cole Hamels, but rumors attached them to Papelbon during the offseason and they seem to be renewing that interest.
Toronto has a major league-low six saves right now, but with an eight-game winning streak going they are 31-30 and just three games behind the New York Yankees in the American League East. During their current winning streak the Blue Jays are averaging 7.1 runs per game, while allowing just 2.6 runs per game, and with two walk-off wins they have not even provided a save opportunity to anyone over that stretch. The last save the Blue Jays had came on May 4 (Brett Cecil), which is notable and can be chalked up to the randomness of baseball.
Blue Jays’ general manager Alex Anthopoulus made a couple notable moves last winter, trading for third baseman Josh Donaldson and signing catcher Russell Martin to a five-year, $82 million contract. With a division title and playoff positioning likely to be up for grabs until the season’s final days, another big move could push the Blue Jays toward the top of the American League and put them in position for a deep postseason run.
Papelbon suggested during the spring that he would waive his limited no-trade clause if a deal to Toronto could be made, so that potential hurdle is not significant. The Phillies are apparently willing to pay a significant portion of what is left on his contract (the remainder of $13 million for this year, $13 million vesting option for 2016), so the Blue Jays should do whatever it takes to bring Papelbon north of the border.
Brad Berreman is a Senior Writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter.
