(WNFL)- The Milwaukee Brewers are reportedly in serious talks with Philadelphia about acquiring veteran closer Jonathan Papelbon. Yahoo Sports broke the story. ESPN said the 34-year-old Papelbon has a contract clause that would block a trade to Milwaukee and 16 other Major League teams but he’d be willing to waive the clause if his current vesting option is guaranteed for next year. The 34-year-old Papelbon is due to make 13-million dollars this season and if finishes at least 48 games, he’d get a vesting option for $13 million for 2016. Until now, the Brewers were planning on Jonathan Broxton to be their closer. But Broxton has been more of a set-up man in recent years, while Milwaukee has had more than one option for the closer’s spot. Papelbon had 39 saves for the Phillies in 2014, with an ERA of just over two. He was suspended for seven games last September, for grabbing his crotch as the Phillies home fans were booing him off the mound. Papelbon later said he did not mean it as an obscene gesture to the fans. Papelbon has a World Series ring from 2007 with Boston. He’s a 10-year Major League veteran with 325 career saves.
Brewers in serious talks for Papelbon
Jan 23, 2015 | 10:21 PM