Jonathan Papelbon rumors: Minimal trade interest in closer

The Philadelphia Phillies seem more than open to trading closer Jonathan Papelbon given their sub-par season and his hefty salary. But even with a career resurgence this season, few teams are interested in Papelbon who has been known to be a bit of a problem child.

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That’s the word from Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports who hints that interest in Jonathan Papelbon is relatively minimal at this point. Of course, we’re still a handful of days away from the trade deadline and it’s completely feasible to think that interest in the closer could rise, especially if other potential relief pitchers on the market are moved or are too expensive in terms of prospects.

The one thing going for the Philadelphia Phillies is that they aren’t likely to command much of a return for Papelbon given his age and salary, so there are going to be at least some teams interested (the Los Angeles Dodgers have already been named as a potential suitor). Of course, on the flip side is Papelbon’s salary which will scare most teams away. Even teams with seemingly unlimited bankroll’s are said to want the Phillies to foot some of Jonathan Papelbon’s salary.

In addition to the salary concerns and Papelbon’s age, there’s also the problem of his unique personality in the lockerroom. Teams who would be looking to acquire Papelbon are likely to be in a playoff race and the last thing they want to do is mess up any potential clubhouse chemistry by adding the intense closer. That’s not to say he would do so, though as a general manager it’s something you’d understandably have concerns over.