Philadelphia Phillies Rumors: Phillies willing to eat Jonathan Papelbon salary in trade
By Josh Hill
The MLB Trade Deadline is just around the corner which means that we’re going to be hearing more and more names kicked around that either seem like they can be legitimately traded or are being kicked around because some is painfully desperate to start over.
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After a few good runs in the recent past, that team looking to build over again are the Philadelphia Phillies and their biggest obstacle is trading closer Jonathan Papelbon and his massively unattractive salary.
According to Jon Heyman from CBSSports.com, the Phillies are now willing to east some of Papelbon’s salary in order to get a trade to happen, something that further proves how desperate Philly is to abandon the team they’ve put together.
"The Phillies are telling teams they’d absorb a portion of the $18 million remaining on closer Jonathan Papelbon‘s deal if they are interested in trading for the closer."
Heyman also explains why it’s been so hard to shop Papelbon thanks to his massive salary.
"The issue is the $50 million four-year contract that pays him $13 million this year and next and also provides for a vesting option for 2016 for another $13 million provided he finishes 55 games in 2015 or 100 combined in 2014 and ’15. Vesting options can be sticky for acquiring teams."
It’s a hard bargain to sell when it comes to trading Papelbon as no one seems to want him and the Phillies are now in a position where they need to eat his salary to move him — something that is just pathetic but necessary. Philly is looking to shed everyone it seems, as their including cash in most trade offers in order to make sure they happen and they’re now literally paying teams to take Papelbon which is no promise anyone will take him.
Be sure to stay glued to FanSided’s MLB Rumors page to stay up to date with the latest action and rumbling from the baseball hot stove this trade season.