Why Jonathan Papelbon to the Blue Jays won’t work

Jul 31, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) throws during the ninth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Just a few days ago, it appeared that the Philadelphia Phillies were on the verge of sending Jonathan Papelbon to the Milwaukee Brewers. At the same time, we heard that the Toronto Blue Jays had also been in the mix, kicking the tires on the Phillies’ closer earlier this winter, but those talks had been deemed as nothing more than due diligence.

Now, it appears that the Blue Jays may be back on the hunt for Papelbon, at least as far as Todd Zolecki of MLB.com is concerned. According to Zolecki, the Phillies continue to discuss Papelbon with both the Milwaukee Brewers and the Toronto Blue Jays. However, Zolecki cites that his sources there is no indication of how clear the seriousness of those negotiations are.

More from Jays Journal

• Matt Chapman has been exactly what the Blue Jays needed
• Blue Jays: The goalposts are moving in the right direction
• Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays advance to the Championship Series
• Blue Jays: Comparisons for Alek Manoah’s Second Season
• Blue Jays: Adam Cimber, the unlikely decision King

When I discussed the Jays interest in Jonathan Papelbon earlier this week, I felt felt that the likelihood of such a deal was slim, noting that Papelbon’s no-trade clause listed the Blue Jays as a team he could reject a move to. On the surface, that doesn’t negate a trade to Toronto, but it would likely add additional cost to the deal that could inhibit the move, especially for a team like the Blue Jays with financial constraints.

That said, Jonathan Papelbon has continued to show that he has the ability close games, posting a 2.04 ERA, a 2.53 FIP, 39 saves, and allowed just 2 home runs over 66.1 innings of work. If the Blue Jays could add him, he would represent a significant upgrade in the closing role. Coupled with his experience in the American League East, and there is definite potential here.

However, this deal is not going to happen and I’ll tell you why.

Next: Reason 1: The Cost