Earlier this week, we learned that Jonathan Papelbon had 17 teams to which he couldn’t have been traded without his permission during 2015. The Nationals’ closer has updated that list for the 2016 season, as ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick reports.
The list includes: the Diamondbacks, Braves, Orioles, Reds, Rockies, White Sox, Astros, Royals, Dodgers, Marlins, Brewers, Twins, Athletics, Pirates, Mariners, Rangers, and Blue Jays. There are five differences from last year to this year:
- Removed: Giants, Indians, Phillies, Tigers, Yankees
- Added: Astros, Braves, Mariners, Reds, Royals
Though Papelbon continues to rank among the game’s elite hurlers, the veteran’s age (35), lengthy no-trade list, $11 million salary, and notorious personality will make it difficult for GM Mike Rizzo to trade him.
With the Phillies and Nationals this past season, Papelbon saved 24 games with a 2.13 ERA and a 56/12 K/BB ratio in 63 1/3 innings.
