The Milwaukee Brewers were perhaps the top candidate to land closer Jonathan Papelbon in a trade. However, they signed Francisco Rodriguez today and the window for landing Papelbon has likely closed. What are other possible destinations for the veteran?
Apparently the Toronto Blue Jays could be the next top trade candidate. And it may hinge on the ability of general manager Ruben Amaro to execute a deal.
"Yes, Toronto, interests me -- if it interests Ruben," Papelbon told Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly when asked about the Blue Jays. "I know some of the guys on their coaching staff. They're a good team. If Ruben can do a deal with them, I'd be interested."
Toronto was among one of the possible trade candidates for the right-hander earlier in the offseason, but their payroll situation didn't allow for them to take on his $13 million salary for 2015 as well as his $13 million option for 2016, which vests if he finishes 48 games in 2015. It was said the team had between $5 million and $7 million left to spend, barring an approval by ownership to raise the payroll.
The two sides were in talks but couldn't reach an agreement
And a deal makes sense for both the Phillies and the Blue Jays. Philadelphia is looking to get rid of their costly veterans as they undergo a rebuilding period while Toronto is in need of another established reliever to bolster their bullpen, which ranked 22nd in ERA (4.00), 21st in opponents' batting average (.253) and 25th in strikeout-to-walk ratio (2.45).
With Milwaukee out of the picture and no other teams reportedly interested in Papelbon, the Blue Jays could be the last resort for the Phillies. The 34-year-old is bound to finish 48 games this year and Philadelphia isn't going to need a $26 million closer if it's not contending.
Papelbon finished with 39 saves to go along with a 2.04 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 63 strikeouts in 66 games (66 1/3 innings) in 2014.
