Why Jonathan Papelbon to the Blue Jays won’t work

May 24, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher Jonathan Papelbon (58) reacts after striking out Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Scott Van Slyke (not pictured) to end the game at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Reason 1: The Cost

Earlier this winter, we heard a lot of rumblings about how the Philadelphia Phillies were going to need to make some moves in order to clear payroll and rebuild in the process. In the same breath, we heard that Ruben Amaro wasn’t going to simply give his players away either, noting that the team was unwilling to eat any salary in the process.

We saw an example of this earlier this winter when the Phillies traded shortstop Jimmy Rollins to the Los Angeles Dodgers. In that deal, the Phillies got back solid pitching prospects in Tom Windle and Zach Elfin. Oh, and they didn’t kick in a dime of Rollins’ $11 million deal.

Papelbon is slated to earn $13 million in 2015, with a vesting option worth another $13 million if he finished just 48 games this season. Given his no trade clause, Papelbon would likely demand that the option be guaranteed before he waives his protection. That’s potentially $26 million over two seasons for a 34-year-old closer with declining velocity.

Then there is the prospect demand. While one would imagine that a closer wouldn’t demand such return. However, one with two years of control and the pedigree that Papelbon brings to the table won’t come cheaply. The Phillies will be sure to ask for the same names that we’ve heard throughout the posteason in terms of trade demands, names like Dalton Pompey, Jeff Hoffman, Max Pentecost, Daniel Norris, and Aaron Sanchez are likely to be at the top of Ruben Amaro’s list of demands.

Are the Blue Jays willing to eat that much salary and surrender the future of their team for a ninth inning arm?

Next: Reason 2: The Side Show