Report: Cubs Showing Interest In Phillies Closer Jonathan Papelbon
(CBS) The Cubs' search for bullpen help is continuing.
After signing free-agent reliever Rafael Soriano to a minor league deal Tuesday, the Cubs have engaged the Phillies in trade discussions for closer Jonathan Papelbon, Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported Wednesday evening, though no deal appears imminent just yet.
Papelbon, 34, has a 1.13 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in 24 innings this season, with 29 strikeouts. He's 12-for-12 in save chances.
Papelbon has more $8 million left on his contract for the rest of the season, Rosenthal reported, though Philadelphia has indicated it will pick up a portion of that if he's traded. His $13 million option for next season will vest if he finishes 26 more games, Rosenthal reported.
Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein was the Red Sox general manager when Boston drafted him in 2003. The Cubs have primarily been using Hector Rondon as their closer but aren't fully committed to him in that role. Jason Motte and Pedro Strop recently handled the ninth-inning duties.
Toronto has also showed serious interest in Papelbon, Rosenthal reported.