Milwaukee Brewers interested in Jonathan Papelbon?

By Cory Buck | Feb 6, 2015

Sep 26, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) reacts after recording a save in the ninth inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Braves 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

The Milwaukee Brewers are reportedly still interested in trading for Philadelphia Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon.

The Milwaukee Brewers are considering their options in the bullpen, which means looking within and beyond. As they consider bringing back reliever Francisco Rodriguez, it looks like they’re exploring other options, including acquiring closer Jonathan Papelbon from the Philadelphia Phillies. Of course, that’s a big if for now as the Phillies remain unimpressed by what the Brewers have offered.

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Jon Heyman at CBS writes, “Milwaukee is said to be the favorite to land Papelbon, but one person suggested early Wednesday the sides may be in a bit of a ‘holding pattern.’ The holdup appears to be related to a gap in thoughts about player compensation going back to Philadelphia.”

Papelbon is due $13 million next year, which would eat up much of Milwaukee’s budget for the bullpen, but the team has to do something to separate itself in the competitive NL Central division. Of course, even ‘something’ has its limit. In this case, it may be what the Brewers have to give up just for the right to pay Papelbon that much.

Unfortunately for the Brewers, they remain on Papelbon’s no-trade list, per the clause in his contract. This gives the closer a bit more leverage coming off a 39-save season in which he tallied a 2.04 ERA. If the Brewers want Papelbon to waive his no-trade clause, they may have to pick up his vesting option for 2016, which pays Papelbon another $13 million pending his 2015 appearances, in order for him to approve the deal.

The Phillies are hotly shopping Papelbon, determined to move the 34-year-old closer amid their team rebuild that favors youth and picks, something the Brewers possess in spades. The Brewers, however, are ahead of the arc in that regard and are watching their young talent push them on the cusp of the playoffs. They just need a boost and it looks like the team has found as much in Papelbon, provided they are willing to part with enough trade assets and cash to make it happen.

For now, Hot Stove at MLB.com notes that Francisco Rodriguez remains a contingency plan in case the Papelbon deal falls through. K-Rod had 44 saves and a 3.04 ERA last season with the Brewers and wouldn’t be a bad Plan B by any means. It’s clear, however, that he is not the preferred option for a Brewers team that hopes to make the NL playoffs.

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