According to a report on CSNPhilly.com, the Philadelphia Phillies and Jonathan Papelbon have reached a contract agreement. Papelbon is the Boston Red Sox top free agent player and the best closer in a deep free agent market for the position this year.
The contract is believed to be for four years and close to $50 million. The 30-year-old Papelbon will take over the closer role from Ryan Madson, who is a free agent. Last week it was believed that Madson and the Phillies had reached a deal, but it was never announced and appears both sides will now move on. Madson will likely be one of the players Boston will target as Papelbon’s replacement.
Papelbon took over the Red Sox closer job as a rookie in 2006. He had just 17 MLB games under his belt, but he was handed the reigns after 2004 World Series star Keith Foulke had faltered due to injuries. He finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting. Papelbon has recorded 30 or more saves in each of the last six years and has a total of 219 with a 2.33 career ERA. The four-time All-Star saved three of the four wins of the 2007 World Series.
The Red Sox were never able to sign Papelbon to a long-term deal during his six years and Papelbon seemed destined for free agency and a big pay day. The fan favorite, who came out of the bullpen while the Fenway Park speakers blasted the Drop Kick Murphy’s song “I’m shipping up to Boston” and Red Sox nation got pumped for a win, will now be leaving town. Papelbon will leave Boston as the team’s all-time saves leader.
Who do you think should be the Red Sox next closer? Comment below and vote in my poll.
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