Over the weekend, rumors broke suggesting the Philadelphia Phillies were attempting to trade Jonathan Papelbon to the Milwaukee Brewers. But as quickly as that news surfaced, it was buried as whatever trade the two teams discussed appeared dead.
Part of the reason for such was Papelbon’s rather enormous contract, a problem which is apparently making the closer difficult to trade according to Fox Sports.
It’s difficult enough for teams to agree upon how much money should be in a trade. It’s even more difficult when they don’t know how much the player is owed. So, as much the Phillies need to trade Papelbon, the whole thing is easier said than done.
The Phillies don’t want to pay any of Jonathan Papelbon’s contract, though if they plan to trade the closer they’re going to have to pay some. How much is the issue. Of course, money isn’t the only problem as Papelbon currently holds a 17-team no-trade clause, effectively eliminating half of the league. Now, Papelbon could elect not to invoke such but those franchises are on his no-trade clause for a reason.
Add in Philadelphia’s desire to get some type of prospects in return and you can see why a Jonathan Papelbon trade is proving to be so difficult.
