It was reported yesterday that the Brewers had interest in trading for Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon. However, trade talks hit a snag over how much money the Phillies should include as Papelbon is owed $13 million for 2015 and he likely will earn another $13 million in 2016 as his option vests with 48 games finished.
Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is reporting that while the trade is not dead, it is “on life support, at best”.
The Phillies had been drawing zero interest in Papelbon during the off-season before the Brewers jumped into the picture, so if this trade falls apart, they’ll likely continue having trouble moving their aging, expensive closer.