Just as quickly as the Jonathan Papelbon trade rumors surfaced, they’ve died down as the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies haven’t spoken about a deal for a few days now.
Earlier in the week, news broke suggesting the Phillies closer could be traded to the Brewers and the lone hold up was simply money owed to the pitcher. Milwaukee couldn’t get on board with what Philadelphia was demanding and that appears to have put an end to the discussions, at least for now.
“It doesn’t appear there’s any momentum to it right now,” said Brewers general manager Doug Melvin. “It could be revived later, I guess, but right now there’s nothing happening.
“Whatever traction there was seems to have dissipated.”
The Brewers have been looking for a closer for months now and have allegedly spoken internally about a reunion with Francisco Rodriguez and have also considered former Washington Nationals fireman Rafael Soriano. Both appear to be in play now that a possible Jonathan Papelbon trade appears unlikely.
Of course, there’s a possibility that both teams could rekindle trade talks as we get closer to the regular season, but it’s going to require the Phillies to pay more on Papelbon’s contract of the Brewers to absorb more of his hefty deal.
