Kuzul

As the Philadelphia Phillies continue to offload some of their veteran assets, closer Jonathan Papelbon continues to find himself at the center of trade speculation.

Todd Zolecki of MLB.com has more on two teams continuing to show interest:

The Phillies are still talking to the [Milwaukee] Brewers and [Toronto] Blue Jays about a Jonathan Papelbon trade.

Two sources said this evening that talks are alive, although the seriousness of those discussions is unclear. Yahoo! Sports first reported Friday that the Phillies and Brewers were in serious negotiations. FOXSports.com mentioned the Blue Jays’ interest.

In the following days, reports surfaced that a deal with either team is unlikely. But that has not stopped them from continuing to talk about Papelbon.

Indeed, this comes just a few days after Milwaukee’s general manager, Doug Melvin, basically dismissed the likelihood of a deal happening.

“It doesn’t appear there’s any momentum to it right now,” he told Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “It could be revived later, I guess, but right now there’s nothing happening. Whatever traction there was seems to have dissipated.”

Toronto’s interest appears to be fairly tepid as well, per Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports:

Haudricourt adds:

Papelbon finished 2-3 this past season with 39 saves, a 2.04 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 63 strikeouts in 66.1 innings pitched. Phillies fans have grown weary of his act, however, as he appeared to make an obscene gesture toward Phillies fans as he was coming out of a game in September and has never shied away from commenting publicly when he’s been unhappy with the team’s lack of success.

But trading him has been made more complicated by his contract. He’s scheduled to make $13 million this season and has a vesting option in 2016 for the same amount of money, which becomes guaranteed if he finishes 48 games this season, per Zolecki. 

That’s a big contract for a 34-year-old closer who has run hot and cold in his time with the Phillies. 

Still, it wouldn’t be surprising if a team found a way to bring Papelbon aboard, with Philly eating some of the contract. For a rebuilding Phillies team, Papelbon is more useful if he can bring back prospects. For a team looking to contend, Papelbon is a proven closer who was pretty solid in 2014. 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

In the modern age of baseball, there are two types of teams when it comes to the offseason. Those looking to make an immediate run to the World Series, and those willing to offload talent to get a jump-start on a rebuild.

After finishing last in their division in 2014, it’s pretty obvious that the Philadelphia Phillies are in the latter category. As such, they have been in discussions to trade some of their biggest names this year. One of those names is closer Jonathan Papelbon.

But while the trade makes sense for the Phillies, who are getting rid of a decent-sized contract with the name recognition of Papelbon, the team that seems to be in pole position to pick up the 34-year-old might surprise a few.

According to ESPN, the Phillies are having discussions with the Milwaukee Brewers about trading the closer.

Right now, it seems like Papelbon could be a positive addition to the Brewers, who finished six games out of a postseason spot last season. The former Red Sox pitcher has been a star his whole career and tallied 39 saves with an ERA of 2.04 in 2014.

The Brewers’ closer from last season, Francisco Rodriguez, is also a free agent this offseason, and although the club has shown interest in resigning K-Rod, the Papelbon rumor seems to dispel that.

Milwaukee has already expressed interest in adding some late-inning relief, and it has the money to bring Papelbon in after trading starter Yovani Gallardo to the Texas Rangers for three minor leaguers.

If Papelbon is worth just those six extra wins that would see the Brewers jump into the postseason, he might be worth it this year, but he comes with some serious baggage.

Following an incident in September in which Papelbon grabbed his crotch after a blown save, he was suspended for seven games. A potential attitude problem isn’t the biggest concern for the Brewers, though.

Despite posting a good ERA last year, it has been noted that Papelbon has been struggling, with his average fastball speeds decreasing and his strikeout rate declining. He also posted incredibly low numbers in batting average and home runs compared to his career numbers, so odds are those will go back up.

As I mentioned earlier in the piece, Papelbon is 34 years old. Although players can sometimes extend their careers into their 40s, especially closers, Papelbon is unlikely to improve. Things can only go downhill.

Papelbon is heading into his 10th season as a closer, and he reached his peak as an athlete several years ago. If his two seasons in Philadelphia are any sign of things to come, it will be a slow, steady, decline for the closer.

If this trade is to go through, though, what really decides where the Brewers come out is what they give up for Papelbon. If some money and a minor leaguer are the price for the closer, then the deal wouldn’t be too detrimental.

But if Milwaukee gives up a starter or quality prospect, it wouldn’t appear to be worth it.

Papelbon seems to be nothing more than a short-term fix for the Brewers to get over the hump and into the postseason, and they shouldn’t spend too much on someone who isn’t even sure to improve their roster.

At the end of the day, the trade for Papelbon could be nothing more than noise for the franchise as they try to move up in the NL Central.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jonathan Papelbon will begin serving a seven-game suspension during Monday’s contest against the San Diego Padres.

MLB Public Relations reported the news of Papelbon’s punishment:

The Phillies released the following statement concerning the incident (h/t D.J. Short of Hardball Talk):

The Phillies fully support the decision of the Commissioner’s Office, which has exclusive jurisdiction for on-field player behavior. By Major League Baseball rules, the Phillies have no authority to make official judgments about activity which occurs on the field or to determine the appropriate penalty for misconduct. We apologize to our fans for the actions of our player yesterday.

Philadelphia fans booed Papelbon during a 5-4 loss to the Miami Marlins on Sunday. He was brought in to close out the game but yielded four runs in the top of the ninth, drawing the ire of those in attendance at Citizens Bank Park.

Frustrated by his play and the reaction it drew, Papelbon made an unfortunate gesture in response by grabbing his crotch. Second base umpire Joe West then ejected the closer for his conduct.

Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports has more details: 

USA Today‘s Jason Wolf documented Papelbon’s explanation of the incident, along with his interaction and history with the man who tossed him:

[West] basically came over and said I that did an inappropriate gesture and I had no clue what he was talking about. That is when I got upset. I had no idea what he was talking about. I had no explanation. I was still obviously pretty heated from what had just transpired. Me and Joe we go way back. We don’t see eye to eye a lot of times.

Peter Abraham of The Boston Globe weighed in after Papelbon denied any derogatory intent:

Papelbon has a 2.10 ERA and has converted 37 of his 41 save opportunities in 2014, so he isn’t having a bad season by any means. However, Joel Sherman of the New York Post provides some interesting insight into the situation:

With his contract guaranteed for 2015 and a vesting option for 2016, perhaps the Phillies may explore trade options for their All-Star reliever. This episode from Papelbon and the apparent friction between him and the organization could see him in another uniform to start next season.

There is no denying Papelbon’s talent and steady success on the mound. In all but one of his seasons as a pro he’s had his ERA under 3.00. It will be interesting to see how Papelbon’s gesture impacts his value on the trade block. If he doesn’t get a strong endorsement—public or private—from Philadelphia, it will be hard for the Phillies to sell him no matter how good he is.

At age 33, Papelbon should still have a few quality years left in him before he declines. A team on the precipice of contention could always use someone like him to slam the door in decisive games.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

The 2014 MLB trade deadline is scheduled for Thursday, July 31, and as it is every season, the rumors have started to come fast and furious from all corners of the sport.

With huge names like A.J. Burnett, Jon Lester, Matt Kemp and Jonathan Papelbon potentially on the move, the landscape of baseball could shift if the rumored trades come to fruition before the deadline.

Here are the latest reports from around Major League Baseball.

Phillies and Pirates Hammering Out Deal for A.J. Burnett?

The Philadelphia Phillies currently hold a 46-60 regular-season record, meaning the team will mostly likely become aggressive sellers at the trade deadline. The franchise must start thinking about the future, and that could mean dealing starting pitcher A.J. Burnett.

Burnett was brought in as a free agent to add another reliable arm to the rotation, but his services would be much better utilized on a team contending for a postseason berth like the Pittsburgh Pirates.

According to Jim Bowden of ESPN, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are working on a deal, but the details are still being hammered out:

Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com also reported the Pirates’ interest in Burnett but revealed a snag that could hold up a potential trade:

The Phillies and A.J. Burnett wouldn’t mind working out a deal for him to go to Pittsburgh, but the Pirates’ interest, believed mild at best, might fall further if Burnett intends to pick up a player option for next year that’s likely to be worth $12.75 million.

The 2015 option is for $7.5 million at its minimum, but it will begin escalating if he reaches 24 starts this season (he has 21 so far). If he starts 32 games, the option would rise to $12.75 million, which would be a budget buster for Pittsburgh.

Giving up seven earned runs in his last start is not what a prospective team wants to see from a trade target, but Pittsburgh knows exactly what Burnett would bring to the team based the two seasons he spent there (2012-13).

Burnett’s 2014 hasn’t been his best, but he has served admirably on a struggling team. His positive attitude has helped anchor the rotation, and he has amassed a 4.15 ERA, a 6-10 record and 123 strikeouts thus far.

With the Pirates depending on Edinson Volquez and Vance Worley as the No. 4 and No. 5 starters, respectively, in their rotation, adding an insurance policy like Burnett would be a great deal if the two sides can come to an amicable agreement.

Jon Lester-for-Matt Kemp Deal on the Table?

One of the biggest names on the trade block this season has been Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Jon Lester. According to reports, Lester could be the key piece in a trade for Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp.

In a report from Gordon Edes of ESPNBoston.com, Los Angeles and Boston may be laying the groundwork for a blockbuster trade before the deadline:

He has had debilitating ankle and shoulder injuries that have limited his play the last two seasons, is still owed roughly $118 million on a contract that runs through 2019, and has a mixed reputation as a clubhouse presence, but the Red Sox are considering making a move for Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp, according to a club source.

With the Sox in need of more offensive production in the outfield, the right-handed-hitting Kemp could be the major piece in a trade for Red Sox left-hander Jon Lester, especially with the Dodgers reluctant to part with top outfield prospect Joc Pederson.

This would be one of the biggest trades of the year, and it would make a lot of sense for both parties involved. Boston would get a legitimate return in Kemp for Lester before he hits the open market as a free agent.

Los Angeles will have to take the educated risk regarding Lester re-signing with the Dodgers, but the team would be able to add another ace to the already-powerful starting rotation. Add in the fact that moving Kemp would alleviate some salary-cap stress and free up another outfield position for the young players in the farm system, and this is a win-win deal for both teams.

With Lester pitching well (2.52 ERA, 10-7 record and 149 strikeouts) and Kemp performing strong since returning from injury (a .277 batting average, eight home runs, 40 RBI and a .343 on-base percentage on the season), this would be a blockbuster trade that could actually come to fruition before the deadline.

Philadelphia Pushing Hard to Move Jonathan Papelbon?

As discussed in the Burnett section, Philadelphia is slipping out of contention and should be looking to sell many of the high-priced pieces that aren’t going to be part of the long-term plan.

One of the biggest names thrown around in rumors has been closer Jonathan Papelbon, but there just hasn‘t been the attention the Phillies thought they would get for a player of his caliber.

According to Heyman, Philadelphia is so desperate to move Papelbon that the team is willing to eat a substantial portion of his salary, but there is still not enough interest to make a deal worth a move:

The Phillies are telling teams they’d absorb a portion of the $18 million remaining on closer Jonathan Papelbon’s deal if they are interested in trading for the closer. Papelbon’s market seems light, if existent, after both the Angels and Tigers filled back-end bullpen needs with Huston Street and Joakim Soria, respectively.

Despite the team’s struggles, Papelbon has not lost the tenacity and toughness be has become known for, and the numbers back that up. With a 1.83 ERA, 25 saves and 40 strikeouts in 44.1 innings, there is no question that he would be a welcome addition to any bullpen.

For the teams potentially interested in Papelbon, the high-priced contract is a major issue. If the Phillies are willing to eat a huge chunk of the money, as the report claims, it will be easier to move him in a last-second deal.

Stats via MLB.com.

Follow @Donald_Wood

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Once you hit the final stretch before Major League Baseball’s July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, all of those rumors that have been bantered about for weeks start coming into focus. Not all of them will happen, but it’s much clearer who is and isn’t available. 

Unfortunately, as we have seen in recent years, the most exciting moves usually just end up being for middle relievers because teams are so reluctant to deal anything that might have future value for the chance to win now. 

There are also financial ramifications that have to be taken into consideration, which is why one thing you will hear a lot this time of year is teams kicking in money to make a deal happen. Not all clubs are willing to do that, which can be the difference between making a move and standing pat. 

Here are some of the deals being discussed that involve teams trading a big league asset and kicking in money to make them happen. 

Phillies Working to Move Papelbon

Even though the Philadelphia Phillies have been reluctant to move any of their aging homegrown players, general manager Ruben Amaro has no problem exploring the trade market for anyone who is an “outsider.”

Closer Jonathan Papelbon appears to be right at the top of the chopping block, as Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com has reported the Phillies are willing to chip in some cash to cover the money he is owed through 2015. 

The Phillies are telling teams they’d absorb a portion of the $18 million remaining on closer Jonathan Papelbon’s deal if they are interested in trading for the closer.

Papelbon’s market seems light, if existent, after both the Angels and Tigers filled back-end bullpen needs with Huston Street and Joakim Soria, respectively.

As Heyman mentioned, the market for closers has changed dramatically in the last week with arguably the two teams in most desperate need of back-end arms filling those holes.

It also doesn’t help that Papelbon’s 2015 salary ($13 million guaranteed) is markedly higher than what Huston Street ($7 million team option) and Joakim Soria ($7 million team option) are set to earn. Unless the Phillies want to kick in $6 million next season to even things out, it’s hard to envision a scenario where he gets dealt. 

Another problem the Phillies will have dealing Papelbon is his attitude. You love a late-inning reliever with swagger and bravado, but when you are telling reporters, like Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, that an entire organization needs to change, it’s not a way to endear yourself to other coaches and general mangers. 

Papelbon isn’t the dominant force he once was, with declining strikeout rates in each of the last three seasons, but he’s still effective at the end of games, as evidenced by his low ERA (1.91) and FIP totals (2.72) this season. 

Mets Ramping Up Effort to Move Colon

Even though teams subscribe to the theory that you can never have too much pitching, especially in light of the run on Tommy John surgeries in the last year, the New York Mets know there’s no point in retaining a pitcher over 40 when you aren’t competing for a playoff spot. 

Andy Martino of the New York Daily News reports the Mets are not above kicking in money to help cover Bartolo Colon’s salary through 2015 if they can find a trade partner for the right-hander. 

In fact, if the Mets move Colon before the deadline, that is how it will probably go down, according to several executives briefed on the process: Right near the end, after teams know what is happening with the other three starters.

We are also told, via sources, that the Mets are willing to eat approximately $2 million what remains on Colon’s two-year, $20 million contract ($11 million next season).

Under normal circumstances, $11 million would be a lot of money for a starting pitcher. However, when you consider what a league-average starter gets on the market, that actually seems like a bargain. 

If the Mets are throwing in $2 million, bringing an acquiring team’s bill down to $9 million next season, suddenly Colon looks a lot more attractive. There are limitations to his game as a 41-year-old who allows more than one hit per inning, but the ability to pepper the strike zone, not walk hitters (19 in 134 innings) and take the ball every fifth day is extremely valuable. 

With Tampa Bay surging in the American League East, it’s unlikely David Price gets dealt this summer. Cliff Lee just came off the disabled list, had a bad start against San Francisco on Monday and is guaranteed $25 million next year. 

Colon might be the best and safest trade option for teams in need of starting pitching help down the stretch. He comes with extra value because of an affordable contract for next season, so a deadline deal would make a lot of sense. 

Cleveland Wants Offense and Pitching

Unless Nick Swisher, Asdrubal Cabrera, Michael Bourn and Jason Kipnis have been playing possum the first three months of the season, Cleveland’s offense is going to be mediocre the rest of the year. 

If that’s the case, it puts more pressure on a starting rotation that ranks 26th in ERA. It’s no wonder, then, that Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports the team is looking to find a right-handed bat or starting pitcher:

After that, they’d like to add a No.1 starter between now and the end of August, but that seems improbable at the moment.

If they can’t do that, they’ve been talking to teams about acquiring an outfielder to help their sagging offense and protect them against left-handers. They’ve talked about acquiring starters and role players.

Terry Francona’s squad has a budding star in the rotation with Corey Kluber. The 28-year-old is tied for third among American League starters with 3.9 wins above replacement, per Baseball-Reference.com, and is sixth in strikeouts per nine innings (9.76) and strikeout-to-walk ratio (4.91). 

With Trevor Bauer developing nicely this season with a 3.93 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 84.2 innings, Cleveland has young, cost-controlled pitching talent to work with, so offense would be a better area to address. 

Unfortunately, due to injuries that have limited Kipnis and Bourn this year and Swisher looking like a relic already at the age of 33, there’s not a lot the front office can do to supplement the position players.

Cleveland’s payroll is already at $84 million, its highest mark since 2001, so there’s limited financial flexibility. The most likely scenario has general manager Chris Antonetti not making any moves until the offseason, when Cabrera and Justin Masterson, making a combined $19.7 million in 2014, come off the books.

Stats and contract information courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com. 

If you want to talk sports, hit me up on Twitter. 

Follow @adamwells1985

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

As MLB teams head out of the All-Star break, the trade deadline will serve as the make-or-break point for plenty of clubs on the fringes of playoff contention.  The two weeks before the July 31 deadline should bring lots of intrigue and action as teams vacillate between buying and selling on a seemingly daily basis.

Because of the surprises in the standings throughout the league, plenty of teams that harbored postseason or even World Series aspirations at the beginning of the year could turn into sellers shortly.  While it’s unclear how much talent will actually move this month, the available players are enough to create more excitement than baseball fans have seen in years.

For those looking for the most recent scoops on the biggest names, check out the latest rumors surrounding players who could potentially shift the pennant race this summer.

Contenders for Price?

David Price will move out of Tampa eventually.  But with the Rays’ recent surge, the postseason is no longer a total improbability in the mediocre AL East, even as Tampa sits 9.5 games behind the Baltimore Orioles.

The fact that Price is still under team control in 2015 could allow the Rays to wait until the offseason to deal the former Cy Young Award winner.  As ESPN’s Jim Bowden reports, Tampa would command a haul superior to what the Cubs received for Jeff Samardzija (subscription required):

The impression teams are getting is that if the Rays manage to get back in the playoff chase, they will hang on to Price, and if they don’t, they will trade him only if they get a better package than what the Chicago Cubs got for Jeff Samardzija, which eliminates a number of possible suitors. 

The Rays would be looking for an elite prospect and a top prospect in exchange for Price, and there are only a few organizations that have that type of package to offer, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, Cubs and Minnesota Twins, and the latter two teams aren’t really a fit for Price. (Both the Cubs and Twins have been adding prospects, not trading them.) 

It’s not unreasonable for the Rays to set their expectations high, as Price is a superior pitcher to Samardzija.  Even though the latter has experienced a breakout year, Price has produced more wins above replacement (3.0 to 2.4).

Still, it will be difficult for any team to match what the Cubs received for Samardzija in Addison Russell.  A package for Price would require a premium major league-ready prospect, such as the Dodgers’ Joc Pederson or St. Louis’ Carlos Martinez.  Even so, Price might not be willing to accept a trade unless it sends him to his preferred geographic location:

Ultimately, though Fangraphs gives the Rays just a 5.8 percent chance of reaching the postseason, they also give them the best projected record from now until the end of the season.  At the moment, Tampa seems likelier to hang onto the slim chance of surging into October rather than shutting down their window of contention.

Papelbon Going West?

Philadelphia Phillies’ general manger Ruben Amaro Jr. held onto delusions of contending headed into the season.  With his last-place Phillies at 42-53 and 10 games out of first place, however, it appears a fire sale is closer than ever to becoming reality.

One prime candidate to go would be closer Jonathan Papelbon.  The 33-year-old Papelbon does not have tremendous trade value because of his age and onerous contract.  However, at least one plugged-in reporter believes that the Los Angeles Dodgers could seek out Papelbon’s services:

It’s a bit unclear why the Dodgers would want to add Papelbon.  After a rough start, closer Kenley Jansen has rebounded to post nine consecutive scoreless appearances.  Moreover, his .391 BABIP and 1.87 FIP suggests some poor luck that will eventually correct itself and bring his 3.49 ERA down.

Nonetheless, Papelbon could be interested in joining the NL West leaders.  According to The Philadelphia Inquirer‘s Matt Gelb, Papelbon recently hinted at frustration over the team’s losing and a willingness to accept a trade to a contender:

Some guys want to stay on a losing team? That’s mind-boggling to me. I think that’s a no-brainer.

You know, I came here for a reason…and I say that because I’m with a group of guys in the bullpen that can do very special things in the future. I’ve been waiting for that, you know what I mean? It’s fun to be a part of that, it really is. We are there finally with our bullpen. So that aspect of it would kind of [stink] to leave. But at the same time, winning is the cure-all of cure-alls.

Papelbon has had his best season for the Phillies, posting a 1.21 ERA thus far.  However, there are numerous alarms that regression is imminent—an 85.7 percent strand rate well above his career average, an overall increase in walks and decrease in strikeouts, a .232 BABIP that is 45 points below his career average and the fact that he has yet to allow a home run even in the bandbox of Citizens Bank Park. 

Still, someone is bound to take the leap based on Papelbon’s experience and reputation as a big-time playoff performer after his time in Boston.  The Dodgers don’t have a clear need, but they could at least absorb his salary without so much as blinking.

Bullpen Help for Angels?

The Los Angeles Angels have surged to the second-best record in baseball and are just 1.5 games behind the Oakland Athletics for the AL West lead.  With the A’s having made their big splash already, Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal reports that the Angels could be readying an answer:

Street has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise grisly season for the San Diego Padres, whose historically impotent offense has the team floundering at 41-54.  Though his sterling 1.09 ERA has been aided by a .195 BABIP, he has also increased his strikeouts, reduced his walks and induced worse contact.  A slight correction is likely coming, but Street is not turning into a pumpkin this summer.

For his part, Street appears tired of floundering on poor teams.  The 30-year-old has not pitched on a playoff team since the 2009 Colorado Rockies, and according to the Los Angeles Times‘ Bill Shaiken, Street would welcome the opportunity to play in Anaheim:

‘I would love it,’ he said.

Street cited the chance to ‘play with guys like Albert Pujols and Mike Trout’ as well as to play for Manager Mike Scioscia. Street broke into the major leagues with the Oakland Athletics from 2005-08, when the Angels won the American League West three times in four years.

The Halos have had bullpen issues for much of the season, a bullpen that ranks 27th in WAR.  Even with Joe Smith’s recent emergence to stabilize the closer position, Los Angeles ranks just 18th in bullpen WAR over the last 30 days.  The trio of Street, Smith and Kevin Jepsen would secure the final three innings for the Angels, turning arguably their greatest weakness into a strength.

The fickle year-to-year performance of relievers makes it harder to construct lockdown bullpens at the beginning of the season, but the trade-off is that acquiring help during the season is easier.  Acquiring Street and perhaps upgrading the back of the starting rotation would leave the Angels among the small handful of favorites for the World Series.

*All stats via Fangraphs.com.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Ashley Papelbon, the wife of Philadelphia Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon, shared this “awkward family photo” of the two on Twitter: 

It looks like we have an early contender for “most festively dressed.” Papelbon’s incredible outfit is only outdone by his mustache. 

Hat tip to David Brown of Yahoo! Sports for the find. 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

Owners and general managers from all 30 MLB teams will convene in Orlando, Fla., starting on Monday for the four-day winter meetings that could include more big deals.

This past week has been a busy one for offseason MLB player movement, and there are still many high-profile trade candidates who could be moved in the near future. Here are the latest rumblings regarding three of the top pitchers available on the trade market.

LHP David Price

After reportedly agreeing to a 10-year, $240 million deal with Robinson Cano on Friday, the Seattle Mariners still have big things in mind this offseason. Bill Shaikin of the Los Angeles Times spoke to an MLB executive who told him Seattle has now shifted its focus to acquiring Tampa Bay lefty David Price via trade.

Jon Morosi of Fox Sports also commented on the possibility of Price going to Seattle, via Twitter:

Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times cited sources who said the Mariners would have to include a top pitching prospect in the deal:

Taijuan Walker is a 21-year-old righty with a fastball that sits in the mid-90s, per Rick Randall of Scout.com. In 25 starts between Double-A and Triple-A this year, Walker went 9-10 with a 2.93 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 10.2 K/9 ratio before making his MLB debut in September.

Walker would step right in Tampa Bay’s rotation in 2014 and be a nice return for Price, who already has a Cy Young Award under his belt. The Rays are in no position to sign Price once he becomes a free agent following the 2015 season. They also fared well in last year’s trade of James Shields, receiving 2013 AL Rookie of the Year Wil Myers in return, and should receive an even bigger haul with Price.

Adding Price to a rotation that already features Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma, who finished third in the AL Cy Young voting this past season, would give Seattle one of baseball’s best starting trios.

Ben Badler of Baseball America took it a step further, speculating the team can sign Japanese star righty Masahiro Tanaka to a free-agent deal later this winter:

It’s all just a dream right now, but the Mariners have a new $2 billion TV deal that gives them the wherewithal to make it a reality.

RHP Jonathan Papelbon

The Philadelphia Phillies owe a lot of money to a lot of aging stars, but now it sounds like they are trying to shed some salary.

According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Philadelphia is actively shopping veteran closer Jonathan Papelbon:

But Rosenthal also mentions Papelbon’s big salary figures for the next few seasons, which may put him out of many teams’ price range unless the Phillies include cash in the deal:

The first team that comes to mind as a fit is the New York Yankees, who now have a bunch of cash to spend after Cano left the Bronx for his big contract with Seattle. The Yankees have since added Carlos Beltran and have a void at closer following the retirement of Mariano Rivera.

Papelbon, 33, has a combined 67 saves with 2.67 ERA and 1.09 WHIP the past two seasons in Philadelphia. It’s unknown if the Yankees are one of the 12 teams on his no-trade clause list, but he’s an option take over the ninth-inning duties if the team isn’t ready to hand the reins over to David Robertson.

LHP Brett Anderson

Ever since the A’s signed Scott Kazmir to a two-year, $22 million deal earlier this week, Anderson has been a hot name on the trading block since Oakland has a surplus of starting pitching. Besides Kazmir, the team’s other top options like Jarrod Parker, Sonny Gray, Dan Straily, A.J. Griffin and Tommy Milone are much cheaper.

Anderson’s an active Twitter user, so he’s seen his name linked to various teams via reports. Jane Lee of MLB.com recently spoke to Anderson, who maintained his sense of humor about the swirling trade rumors:

Anderson has a point. He has been linked with teams like the Yankees, Blue Jays, Royals and Rangers, as Buster Olney of ESPN reported Oakland has been having trade discussions with multiple teams:

Anderson is a talented 25-year-old lefty who has been riddled with injuries, making just 24 starts the past three years. For his career, he’s 26-29 with a 3.81 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 7.1 K/9 ratio, and would be an intriguing option for any team that wants a middle-of-the rotation contributor.

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

A pivotal change could be looming for the Philadelphia Phillies and for once, it isn’t all bad.

Ken Rosenthal reported earlier that the Phillies are trying to trade closer Jonathan Papelbon in order to get out from under his contract. Handcuffed to a pricey contract that would make Nelson Rockefeller blush, Papelbon is owed $26 million over the next two seasons with a $13 million vesting option for 2016. 

Aside from the rich contract a team would inherit if they were to deal for Papelbon, things are made much more complicated due to the contentious atmosphere Papelbon is partly credited to bringing into the Phillies clubhouse.

So who would be interested in an overpriced reliever who is beyond his prime and known to bring a party pooper’s attitude into a clubhouse?

Realistically speaking, only time will tell.

It is true that many clubs are looking to bolster their bullpen but as we see with the Oakland Athletics, Tampa Bay Rays and Atlanta Braves, teams have found a more cost-effective way to do so.

Therefore it is highly unlikely that Papelbon is dealt without the Phillies swallowing a major portion of his contract. 

Papelbon’s velocity has declined for two years in a row. At 33-years old, he is no longer the young pup with the ferocious competitiveness that we once saw in Fenway Park. From 2006-09, Papelbon averaged 38 saves per season on top of a 1.74 ERA and 10.73 K/9 rate.

From 2010 through 2012, Papelbon’s numbers slowly trended downward. In those three seasons, he averaged a 3.09 ERA to go along with 35 saves per year.

Things appeared to hit rock bottom in 2013. For the first time in his career as a closer, Papelbon failed to reach 30 saves. He managed to finish with a respectable 2.92 ERA, but a meager K/9 rate of 8.32. 2013 was the first year the righty failed to strike out at least nine batters per nine innings.

Needless to say, Papelbon is trending in the wrong direction.

On the other hand, the remainder of his contract is comparable to that of Joe Nathan—who recently signed with the Detroit Tigers.

So once again, who would take on the challenge of reforming Papelbon into one of Major League Baseball’s elite closers?

First and foremost, the New York Yankees should be considered as potential trade partners. For starters, the Yankees’ farm system is nothing to write home about, but they would be doing the Phillies a favor by helping take Papelbon off of their books.

Mariano Rivera has retired and the Yankees still are floundering with regard to who will handle the closing duties. While it appears that David Robertson is primed to take over the ninth inning for the Bronx Bombers, nothing is yet written in stone.

Robertson will turn 29 this April. He has just 8 career saves under his belt. While he has turned into one of baseball’s most prolific relievers, nobody can be certain he has the guts it takes to lock down the final three outs of a ballgame.

Another possible destination for Papelbon is the Texas Rangers. With Nathan moving on to Motown, the Rangers are stuck in a tough situation. They are likely to lean on oft-injured Neftali Feliz to be their closer, but Tanner Scheppers is another in-house possibility.

Making a deal work between the Rangers and Phillies would be a daunting task. The Rangers are likely unwilling to be left on the hook for all of Papelbon’s remaining contract. Therefore, the Phillies would have to be willing to eat a majority of the remaining deal and possibly the entirety of Papelbon’s vesting option should it kick in for 2016. Such a scenario doesn’t make much financial sense for Philadelphia.

Finally, the Seattle Mariners appear to be all hands on deck. After signing Robinson Cano and apparently being in the mix for David Price, the M’s could use a solid option to solidify their bullpen.

Seattle blew the seventh most saves in 2013 (23), so the bullpen is in flux. The conundrum plaguing Seattle is an attempt to become relevant for the first time since Lou Piniella was the manager.

Speculation aside, it is going to be difficult for the Phillies to move Papelbon. The deal he was signed to a couple of winters ago is decimating the Phillies’ potential to move forward. 

If anything, it is another indictment on the front office in Philadelphia. The contracts given to Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and Mike Adams look bad, but so does Papelbon’s. It will take a lot to move Papelbon this offseason. 

Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com

As the 2013 Major League Baseball trade deadline is just over 24 hours away, the Philadelphia Phillies have several key decisions to make about some core players on their roster. 

About two weeks ago, the Phillies found themselves in pretty good position to make a postseason run, as they were within shouting distance of the Atlanta Braves and the National League East lead. 

However, two weeks and an eight game losing streak later, the Phils are a whopping 11.5 games behind the Braves, as well as nine games back of the Cincinnati Reds for a Wild Card spot. 

With an aging and injury-plagued roster, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. has some major decisions to make within the next day that may decide the future of his organization.

Superstars such as Cliff Lee, Jonathan Papelbon and Michael Young may wind up on the trading block throughout Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon. 

With that said, let’s take a look at three possible deals that Philadelphia could and should make by Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. 

Begin Slideshow