Detroit Tigers could trade for Jonathan Papelbon

The Detroit Tigers already shocked the baseball community once in the past month, might they do it again? It’s certainly a possibility, especially given their current needs.

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Just weeks after trading for ace David Price, the Detroit Tigers are still seeking to reinforce their bullpen and few names available are better than Philadelphia Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon.

Of course, few players are more expensive than Papelbon as well, but that’s good news in a way for the Tigers if they hope to bring the eccentric closer to Motown.

Given Jonathan Papelbon’s salary, no team put in a waiver claim on the reliever giving the Detroit Tigers a fair shot to trade for the closer. Might they do so? Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors feels its possible.

"We’re finally to the point where I can see him getting moved. Jeff Todd and I have spoken about this multiple times, and the money left on his deal is down to the point where it’s not completely ludicrous. He’s still overpaid, but the Phillies can include some money if it means getting a better return. Tigers make the most sense of teams with a current need."

While the Detroit Tigers payroll may not be at a New York Yankee-like level, the addition of Papelbon would certainly put them among the highest paid teams in the league. Of course, it’s hard to put a price on a World Series title and the Tigers ownership has proven they’ll pay for wins.

It’s no guarantee that Jonathan Papelbon will be leaving the City of Brotherly Love for Motown, but they’re one of the few teams in need who can actually afford to make such a move.

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