Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Rumors are circulating that the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly in trade discussions about Jonathan Papelbon. There have been no reports of what the Phillies would receive in return, but it does sound like the Phillies would be willing to pay part of Papelbon’s contract for the rest of 2015.
Acquiring Papelbon would make a ton of sense for the Cubs, as they currently don’t have a set closer. Hector Rondon was the team’s closer up until last week, when manager Joe Maddon, decided to pull him from a save situation against the Washington Nationals, and replace him with Pedro Strop. After that game, Maddon announced that the Cubs would be going with a closer by committee, which could spell problems down the road for the Cubs.
The Cubs bullpen ERA is 3.65, but the team has blown eight saves combined. Adding Papelbon would solidify the ninth inning for the team, and would allow Rondon and Strop to pitch in the seventh and eighth innings, which would allow Maddon to be comfortable removing his starters after six innings, instead of trying to push them through seven or eight.
With the Cubs seemingly ready to compete in 2015, a year ahead of schedule, it is extremely important for them to bolster their weaknesses. The offense is loaded, and the top three in the starting rotation, Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, and Jason Hammel, are capable of winning playoff games. If the Cubs can add Papelbon into the bullpen fold, the team could be real threats come October.
Jason Fletcher is a MLB Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonFletcher25, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google+.
