Philadelphia Phillies Rumors: Three teams interested in Jonathan Papelbon?

Philadelphia Phillies star closer Jonathan Papelbon is a prime trade piece, and the Phillies could use him to replenish their minor league system and help give this team some pieces to work with in the future. The Phillies window has closed and they are no longer a contender, but there is no reason for the Phillies to blow up the team. Ruben Amaro Jr. has said such, but it would be smart for the Phillies to deal a guy like Papelbon, who is a great closer, but also just a closer on a team that could use some prospects. Papelbon is also a high-priced closer, but his effectiveness would make him a nice target for teams in need of bullpen help.

According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the Phillies believe that there are three contenders interested in acquiring Jonathan Papelbon’s services in the Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Boston Red Sox. Wait, a minute. The Red Sox could reunite with Papelbon? Remember, this is what the Phillies believe, so the Red Sox (and the other two teams) may or may not be interested in Papelbon. But those are the three teams that the Phillies believe have interest in Papelbon, and those are the three teams that the Phillies are looking to talk trade with.

The 32-year-old is one of the best closers in the game, and he could fetch a pretty penny for the Phillies on the trade market. Papelbon has 13 saves this season and a terrific 1.46 ERA (his .69 WHIP is ridiculously low), and it is plausible to think that at least one of these three teams is willing to swing a deal with the Phillies for Papelbon and bolster the bullpen while giving the Phillies some pieces in the minors to work with.