Although the Toronto Blue Jays named Brett Cecil their closer, general manager Alex Anthopoulos may not be done exploring the market for another established arm to help anchor the bullpen.
The Blue Jays and Milwaukee Brewers were in trade discussions with the Philadelphia Phillies earlier in the offseason regarding closer Jonathan Papelbon, who is owed $13 million this season and will earn another $13 million (vesting option) in 2016 if he finishes 48 games this year. Both Toronto and Milwaukee had reservations about Papelbon's contract and no deal was made.
However, that could change in the near future.
"Maybe Alex Anthopoulos, general manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, popped into Bright House Field on Friday afternoon because he enjoys those Delco's cheesesteaks that they sell behind home plate," writes Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly.
"Or maybe he was there to see Jonathan Papelbon."
"Whatever the case, it was quite interesting to see Anthopoulos seated in the scouts' section watching the Phillies play the New York Yankees while his own team was hosting the Detroit Tigers just a few miles away in Dunedin."
The Blue Jays failed to upgrade their bullpen this offseason and let former closer Casey Janssen sign with the Washington Nationals. Toronto's cast of relievers was among the worst in the MLB last season, ranking 25th in ERA (4.09), 20th in opponents' batting average (.248), 27th in K/BB ratio (2.19) and 21st in strikeouts (432). The addition of Papelbon, although costly, would undoubtedly improve their bullpen. The 34-year-old has maintained a sub-2.95 ERA, finished at least 52 games and compiled a total of 137 saves over the past four seasons.
So far this spring, Papelbon owns a 1.29 ERA and 1.00 WHIP in seven games (seven innings) and has seen an increase in velocity with his fastball. The right-hander tossed a hitless inning with Anthopoulos in attendance, which could get the gears in motion for a trade. Toronto recently lost starter Marcus Stroman to a torn ACL and it has further increased the need for effective bullpen support because preserving leads will now be even more important.
Papelbon said he would be interested in a trade to the Blue Jays earlier in the offseason, but general manager Ruben Amaro's stubbornness when it comes to trading his veterans has remained an ongoing occurrence.
However, Cecil's recent shoulder issues could be sounding the alarm for Toronto, so we'll see if Anthopoulos has some tricks up his sleeve.
