This comes from Ken Rosenthal’s Facebook account ...
Papelbon is making $8 million this season and is about to trigger a $13 million option for the 2016 season. Rosenthal says the Phillies are open to paying a large chunk of that if it will net them better prospects.
The Philadelphia Phillies are ready to trade closer Jonathan Papelbon. They are willing to pay a significant portion of his contract. The only question is how the story ends.
The Phils have engaged in recent trade discussions with both Blue Jays and Cubs about Papelbon, according to major-league sources. No deal with either club appears close; the talks are at an “impasse,” one source said.
Papelbon is making $8 million this season and is about to trigger a $13 million option for the 2016 season. Rosenthal says the Phillies are open to paying a large chunk of that if it will net them better prospects.
Papelbon has continued to dominate despite a dip in velocity, boasting a 1.13 ERA, 0.917 WHIP, and 29/6 K/BB ratio in 24 innings this season. The 34-year-old has tallied 12 saves for a 22-39 Phillies team.