Report: Papelbon Agrees With Phillies
BOSTON (CBS) – Jonathan Papelbon has agreed to a deal with the Philadelphia Phillies, Comcast Sports in Philadelphia is reporting.
The deal is expected to be for four years and approaching the $50 million mark. It is currently pending a physical.
ESPN is reporting there is a vesting option that could take it beyond $60 million, according to a source. If finalized, the contract would be the largest total package ever signed by a relief pitcher.
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Papelbon is coming off one of his most successful seasons as Boston's closer, with 31 saves in 34 chances and a 2.94 ERA.
Red Sox General Manager Ben Cherington says the Sox have not made an offer to Papelbon.
A two-time All-Star, Papelbon helped the Red Sox win the World Series in 2007, notching four saves during the playoffs. After the ALCS and World Series clincers, Papelbon donned a kilt and danced an Irish jig at on the field. He even did the jig during the World Series parade.
Papelbon did not allow a run in his first 25 career postseason innings.
The right-hander is the Red Sox all-time leader in saves with 219. He has notched 30 or more in each of the last six seasons.
